Story by Ashley Beall

Photos by Joel Venzke

Drake women’s basketball has a tough nonconference schedule, with opponents such as Creighton, Wisconsin, Colorado State and South Dakota State.

Next up on that list is in-state rival Iowa State Sunday at the Knapp Center at 2:05 p.m.

Last season, the Bulldogs traveled to Ames and lost by a large margin, 87-45.

However, this year, the Bulldogs have proven to be a tough team after earning a win against longtime rival Creighton.

They faced a loss against the Badgers, 66-41, and another loss at Colorado State, 92-77.

To win against Iowa State, the Bulldogs will look to senior Morgan Reid, who averages 8.7 points, and junior Kyndal Clark, who averages 13.3 points a game.

Junior Liza Heap scored 18 points against Colorado State and will be a key player against the Cyclones this Sunday.

The Cyclones are 4-0 and have proven to be a strong team.

The Cyclones have tough players such as senior Hallie Christofferson who averages 28.5 points per game.

Junior Nikki Moody averages 15 points, and Brynn Williamson averages 10.5 points.

Iowa State has dominated its opponents so far with strong wins.

Drake has young talent this year with freshmen Lizzy Wendell and Caitlin Ingle.

Wendell is averaging eight points per game and had a standout game against Creighton, where she proved to be a tough competitor for the Bluejays with 13 points, three assists and one steal.

Wendell continued her solid streak against Wisconsin with eight points, three blocks and two steals.

The Cyclones also boast a talented freshman class with standouts Seanna Johnson and Jadda Buckley. Johnson averages six points a game, while Buckley averages 7.5.

Both teams will look to senior leadership to help them get the win.

Christofferson scored 32 points in the Cyclones’ season opener against North Dakota and was named the season’s first Big 12 Player of the Week.

Reid is not only a key player in the Bulldogs offense, but she plays a huge role in their defense.

Reid averages four blocks per game and had 16 points and seven rebounds against Creighton.

Ultimately, the Bulldogs need to play tough defense to shut down the Cyclones’ strong offense.

Rebounding has been a weak pillar for the Bulldogs and is something they look to continue to improve on throughout the season.

Last season, Drake was out-rebounded by the Cyclones 48-34.

Drake is still a relatively young team and to beat Iowa State, each player will need to step up and defend her home court.

Tipoff is set for this Sunday at 2:05 p.m. at the Knapp Center.