Hawkeyes to Play a Pair

Dec. 22, 2004

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THE SETTING
The Iowa Hawkeyes will have a week off to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends before returning to action next week with a pair of games. Iowa (10-0) will conclude its non-conference schedule at UW-Milwaukee (3-5) on Dec. 28 (7:05 p.m. tip-off) and then open its Big Ten Conference schedule at home vs. Indiana on Dec. 30 (7:05 p.m. tip-off).

ON THE AIR AND THE INTERNET
All Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Listen to Iowa women’s basketball games on KXIC-AM 800 in Iowa City, WHO-AM 1040 in Des Moines and WMT-AM 600 in Cedar Rapids. Brent Balbinot and Karen Schulte call the action.

The Iowa game at UW-Milwaukee will be tape delayed due to the Iowa men playing at the same time, while the contest vs. Indiana will be carried live on the Hawkeye Radio Network.

Fans can also follow the game’s progress with up-to-the-minute stats and play-by-play by clicking on the “Gametracker” link on the front of www.hawkeyesports.com.

HAWKEYES UNDEFEATED
As of games played through Dec. 22, Iowa is one of only seven Division I teams (Charlotte, Florida State, LSU, Iowa, Richmond, St. John’s and West Virginia) undefeated after playing eight or more games. In addition, Iowa and LSU are the only undefeated teams ranked in the top 25.

DIFFICULT STRETCH
Iowa will be going through one of its most difficult stretches the last week of December. The Hawkeyes will play three games in six days, with two of the games being played on the road. Iowa plays at UW-Milwaukee (Dec. 28), returns home to host Indiana (Dec. 30), then hits the road again to face Illinois (Jan. 2).

BLUDER APPROACHES ANGIE LEE’S WIN TOTAL AT IOWA
Iowa Head Coach Lisa Bluder boasts an 83-49 (.629) record with the Hawkeyes. She is one victory from tying and two from passing Angie Lee and becoming Iowa’s second winningest coach behind C. Vivian Stringer.

IN THE RANKINGS
Iowa is ranked No. 18 in the Associated Press and No. 20 in the ESPN/USA Today poll released on Dec. 20 and 21, respectively. Four other Big Ten teams join the Hawkeyes in the rankings: Ohio State (10/7), Michigan State (11/11), Minnesota (13/12) and Purdue (20/19). The Big Ten boasts the most teams in the top 25. The SEC, Big XII and Big East each have four schools ranked.

In addition, Iowa and Michigan State are the only Big Ten Conference teams to have both hoops teams ranked. The Spartans’ men’s team is ranked 23/20, while the women are rated 11/11.

IOWA HISTORY
Iowa has played 856 games since beginning basketball in 1974. Overall, Iowa’s record is 524-332 (.612). That includes a 276-144 (.657) mark in Big Ten games and a 233-54 (.812) record in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

FAST START
Iowa is enjoying its best start in 11 years. The Hawkeyes’ 10-0 is the third-best start in school history. Iowa began the 1987 season 22-0, while Iowa’s 1993 squad started 11-0.

In addition, a Bluder coached team has not started 10-0 since 1994-95. Bluder’s Drake team started that season 13-0, and eventually would advance to the NCAA Second Round.

RPI RANKINGS
Iowa’s fast start has garnered the Hawkeyes a Big Ten-best No. 4 RPI ranking. Iowa is also ranked No. 29 in strength of schedule. UW-Milwaukee ranks No. 151 in the RPI and 89 in strength of schedule. Indiana is ranked No. 13 in the RPI and No. 3 in strength of schedule.

The rankings are updated daily on: http://www.collegerpi.com/women/05/rpi.html

NUMBER OF THE WEEK – -11
Johanna Solverson converted a career-high 11-13 from the free throw line vs. Western Illinois on Dec. 21. Prior to that game, Solverson had not made or attempted more than four free throws in a single game.

LAST TIME OUT
Iowa won its 10th consecutive game with a 76-69 triumph over Western Illinois on Dec. 21 in Iowa City.

The Hawkeyes led by as many as 16 points, but the Westerwinds mounted a comeback and trimmed Iowa’s lead to just three with seven minutes remaining. Iowa was able to sink its free throw attempts and make clutch baskets in the remaining minutes to re-establish control and defeat Western Illinois.

Johanna Solverson, Jamie Cavey and Crystal Smith fueled Iowa’s offense. Solverson tallied a team-high 19 points (4-11 FG, 11-13 FT), grabbed five rebounds and collected five assists and four steals. Cavey contributed 15 points, nine rebounds and four blocks, while Crystal Smith added 18 points, three rebounds and two steals.

Iowa out-scored Western Illinois 25-11 at the free throw line and 12-0 in fast break points.

The Westerwinds had two players net 20 points or more. Jessica Cook registered a game-high 22 points (10-17 FG, 2-4 FT), while Zane Teilane recorded 20 points (9-14 FG, 2-2 FT).

FINAL GAME NOTES

• Jamie Cavey rejected a team-high four blocks vs. Western Illinois, which moved her past Randi Peterson for ninth on Iowa’s career blocks list. Peterson was in attendance for the game, along with former Hawkeyes Kristi Faulkner, Lindsey Meder and Mary Berdo.
• Iowa posted season highs in free throws made (25), attempted (29) and percentage (.862) against the Westerwinds.
• Western Illinois’ Zane Teilane blocked a game-high seven shots, marking the first time an Iowa opponent has rejected five or more shots in a single game since Missouri’s Stretch James blocked five Hawkeye shots on Dec. 30, 2003.
• Iowa has had a player convert 80 percent or better from the foul line in back-to-back games (Jamie Cavey, 8-8 at Drake; Johanna Solverson 11-13 vs. Western Illinois).
• Iowa has allowed 69 points in its last two games (Drake and Western Illinois).

ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 8-3 in games played on December 28, including winning four of its last five contests.

Iowa is 7-5 in games played on December 30, including losing its last three contests.

FRESHMAN AMONG ELITE GROUP
Krista VandeVenter leads the Hawkeyes in rebounding (8.7) through nine games. The last time a true-freshman led Iowa in rebounding was Tangela Smith (1994-95). In fact, only four other Hawkeyes have led the team in rebounding as freshman (Tangela Smith, 1994-95; Lynn Kennedy, 1983-84; Cindy Haugejorde, 1976-77; Jenni Mayer, 1975-76).

SCOUTING UW-MILWAUKEE
UW-Milwaukee (3-5) has 16 days to prepare for the Hawkeyes’ visit on Dec. 28. The Panthers last played Northwestern on Dec. 12 in their home opener. UW-Milwaukee defefeated the Wildcats 74-60. After trailing 27-26 at halftime, the Panthers out-scored Northwestern 48-33 in the second half. Molly O’Brien paced the Panthers scoring a game-high 16 points. Nichole Drummons netted 14 points, while Teri Huff added 12 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

UW-Milwaukee played its first seven games away from Milwaukee.

Drummond ranks first on the Panthers in scoring (13.5) and free throw percentage (25-28, .893). Huff ranks second in scoring (12.4) and second in rebounding. Kimberly Becker ranks first in rebounding (6.4) and third in scoring (9.6).

Sandy Botham is in her 10th season as collegiate head coach, and her ninth at UW-Milwukee. The Panthers are 132-101 (.567) during her tenure.

ALL-TIME SERIES RECORDS
This will be the first meeting between Iowa and UW-Milwaukee.

Iowa is 4-1 against current members of the Horizon League.

IOWA, UW-MILWAUKEE NOTES

• UW-Milwaukee has 12 players who have attempted at least one 3-pointer this season. Iowa has only four players who have attempted at least one triple.

SCOUTING INDIANA
Indiana enters Thursday’s game with a 7-3 record. Thursday night’s contest in Iowa City will be the Hoosiers’ first action since a 63-41 victory over Virginia Commonwealth on Dec. 22, in Bloomington, IN. Indiana has won four straight games and five of six.

LeeAnn Stephenson, Cyndi Valentin and Sarah McKay led the Hoosiers in their win over the Virginia Commonwealth. Stephenson posted game highs in points (17) and assists (7). Valentin netted 13 points and collected two steals, while McKay scored 10 points and pulled down a game-high nine boards.

The Hoosiers are coached by Kathi Bennett, who is in her 17th year as a head coach and her fifth season at Indiana. Bennett has guided the Hoosiers to a 69-60 (.535) record over the past five seasons.

ALL-TIME SERIES RECORDS
Thursday will mark the 46th meeting between Iowa and Indiana. Iowa leads the all-time series 33-12, including a commanding 18-3 advantage in games played in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes have won the last eight meetings in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Indiana’s last victory in Carver-Hawkeye Arena came on Feb. 20, 1994.

The Hawkeyes have won 14 of the last 17 overall meetings. Iowa won both contests against the Hoosiers last year, 72-65 in Iowa City and 78-69 in Bloomington.

There have been two overtime games played in the series, with both teams winning one.

HAWKEYES IN BIG TEN OPENERS
Iowa is 3-1 in Big Ten Conference openers under Coach Bluder. In addition, the Hawkeyes are 4-0 in home conference openers the last four years.

COMMON OPPONENTS
Iowa and UW-Milwaukee share four common opponents (Marquette, Northern Iowa, Northwestern and Wisconsin).

The Panthers lost to Marquette (74-66), Northern Iowa (68-50) and Wisconsin (75-66) all on the road, but defeated Northwestern (74-60) in their first home game of the season on Dec. 12.

The Hawkeyes defeated Northern Iowa (77-50) and Marquette (78-72) in Iowa City. Iowa will play Northwestern (twice) and Wisconsin (once) in its upcoming conference schedule.

Iowa and Indiana shared no non-conference opponents.

IOWA, INDIANA NOTES

• Indiana sophomore Leah Enterline is the daughter of Big Ten referee Bryan Enterline. Bryan is not allowed to referee any of Indiana’s regular and post season contests dut to conflict of interest.
• The Hoosiers’ Big Ten opener at Iowa will be the first of a three-game road trip to start the 2005 conference schedule. In fact, Indiana will have one more three-game roadie in early February. The Hoosiers are the only league team to have two three-game road trips during the conference schedule. Iowa does not have any three-game road trips this season. Illinois, Michigan State, Northwestern and Purdue have one three-game road trip during the Big Ten slate.
• Indiana senior Jenny DeMuth, who earned pre-season all-Big Ten laurels, suffered an ACL injury at midnight madness on Oct. 16 and is sidelined for the entire season.
• Iowa’s Jamie Cavey netted a then-career high 25 points (8-15 FG, 9-9 FT), a team-high eight rebounds and a career-best six assists in the last meeting between the two teams in Bloomington last season. Cavey’s perfect 9-9 shooting from the foul line was also a career best for free throws made and percentage.
• Head Coaches Lisa Bluder (Drake) and Kathi Bennett (Evansville) both coached in the Missouri Valley Conference. In fact, the coaching duo is two of four Big Ten coaches who formerly mentored MVC teams (Cheryl Burnett — SMS and Lisa Stone — Drake).

MAINTAINING LEADS
Iowa has played 405 minutes through nine games and has trailed only 42:06 during that stretch. The Hawkeyes have maintained a lead or been tied for 362:54 of the 405 minutes.

SCORING BY HALVES
Iowa has out-scored its opponents 373-282 in the first half, 364-348 in the second half and 14-5 in overtime. The Hawkeyes have led at halftime in nine-of-10 contests. Iowa has been out-scored by its opponent in the second half in six-of-10 games.

POCKET ACES
Iowa had two players post double-doubles in Iowa’s come-from-behind win at Creighton. Jamie Cavey recorded her second double-double of her career, netting 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. The senior also collected two blocks and a career-high seven assists. Coincidentally, Cavey’s first double-double came against Creighton on Dec. 28, 2003 in Iowa City.

Krista VandeVenter had her best game of her young collegiate career. The freshman tallied career bests in points (19) and rebounds (14). VandeVenter converted 8-11 (.727) from the field and 3-5 from the foul line (.600). She also registered two steals and two assists. Her 14 rebounds are the most by a Hawkeye in a single game since Jerica Watson pulled down 16 vs. Illinois on Feb. 24, 2002.

The last time Iowa had two players post double-doubles in the same game was on Feb. 24, 2002. Jennie Lillis scored 11 points and corralled 10 rebounds, while Jerica Watson recorded 21 points and 16 rebounds in a 79-71 triumph over Illinois in Iowa City. Furthermore, the last time the feat was accomplished on the road was on Feb. 25, 2001. Lillis totaled 14 points and 17 rebounds, while Randi Peterson amassed 17 points and 12 rebounds in a 74-64 win over Illinois in Champaign.

COMPARING GAME STATS
FG%  3-PT%   FT% REB AST TO  PTSIowa    .499    .356    .700    40.2    171 178 75.1Opp.    .382    .335    .711    32.7    126 158 63.5

IOWA BENCH COMING THROUGH
Iowa’s bench play has been one of the keys to its perfect 10-0 start. Iowa’s bench has outscored and out-rebounded its opponents 188-111 and 116-70, respectively. The Hawkeyes average 18.8 ppg and 11.1 rpg from their bench players. Iowa has outscored eight-of-10 opponents in bench points (Oklahoma, 12-12; Creighton, 17-16).

INSIDE, NOT OUTSIDE
Iowa attempted a season-low two 3-pointers in its victory over in-state rival Northern Iowa on Dec. 5. The Hawkeyes made one of the two to extend its streak of consecutive games with at least one triple.

The last time Iowa attempted two 3-pointers or less in a game was in a 77-57 win vs. Weber State on Nov. 20, 1998 in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes were 1-1 from beyond the arc.

Iowa stayed with its inside game at Creighton, attempting only five triples at Creighton. The Hawkeyes made one of the five attempts.

OUTSIDE AND INSIDE
After attempting a season-low two 3-pointers in Iowa’s win over Northern Iowa on Dec. 5, the Hawkeyes attempted a season-high 24 triples vs. Marquette on Dec. 8. Iowa made a season-high nine 3-pointers in the victory, with seven of the nine coming in the first half. The Hawkeyes also had success in the paint, scoring 30 points.

CAVEY CLIMBS CAREER CHARTS
Senior Jamie Cavey has scored 154 points through 10 games this season. The senior has totaled 876 career points, which ranks 24th at Iowa. Cavey is 27 points from passing Steph Schueler (1987-91) for 23rd.

The Mechanicsville, IA, native has also collected 59 career blocks, which ranks ninth on Iowa’s career chart. Cavey is eight rejections from passing Amy Herrig (1995-99) for eight on the career chart.

IOWA FAST BREAKS

• Iowa has controlled the opening tip in nine-of-10 games (Marquette).
• The Hawkeyes have out-scored their opponents 342-210 in the paint.
• Jamie Cavey fouled out vs. Marquette, becoming the first Hawkeye to foul out of a game this season. Cavey fouled out a team-high eight times last season.
• Iowa has led at the half in nine-of-10 games.
• Iowa’s win over Creighton was its first after trailing at the half, since its thrilling 89-82 overtime victory at Wisconin on Feb. 12, 2004.
• Iowa has held three teams to 50 points or less (Southern Illinois — 50; Northern Iowa — 50; Oklahoma — 47).
• Four of Iowa’s next six games will be played away from the friendly confines of Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
• All 10 of Iowa’s opponents have shot less than 50 percent from the field.
• Iowa has had more assists than its opponents in all 10 games and have shot more free throws in nine of the 10 contests.
• Iowa is 3-0 against teams from the Big XII (Iowa State, Missouri, Oklahoma) and 4-0 vs. Missouri Valley Conference teams (Drake, Southern Illinois, Creighton, Northern Iowa).
• Only one of Iowa’s starters is a senior (Jamie Cavey).
• The victory over No. 21 Oklahoma marked Iowa’s first win over a ranked opponent on a neutral floor since dropping Minnesota (80-77) on March 3, 2003 in the Big Ten Tournament.
• Jenna Armstrong’s 12 three-point attempts vs. Iowa State is the most attempts by an individual since Lindsey Meder attempted 14 twice during the 2001-02 season.
• Iowa is 3-5 in overtime games under Coach Bluder.

IOWA’S RECORD IN GAMES DECIDED BY…
The Hawkeyes are 4-0 in games decided by 6-10 points. Here is a glance at Iowa’s record in games decided by…

    OT   1-5 6-10    11-15   16-20   21+ Total    1-0 1-0 4-0 1-0 1-0 2-0 10-0

SUCCESS AT THE FOUL LINE
Iowa has had four players shoot 100 percent from the free throw line in games (min. 6 att.). Crystal Smith converted 7-7 vs. Missouri, Jamie Cavey drained all nine attempts against Iowa State. Stacy Schlapkohl was a perfect 6-6 vs. Northern Iowa, while made all six attempts vs. Western Illinois.

As a team, the Hawkeyes posted season highs in free throws made (25), attempted (29) and percentage (.862) vs. Western Illinois. Johanna Solverson converted a career-high 11-13 (.846) against the Westerwinds. Prior to that game, Solverson’s career bests in a single game were four free throws made and attempted.

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING
Guard Crystal Smith has been one of league’s top offensive and defensive player through nine games. The junior was named MVP of the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge and Junkanoo Jam. Smith ranks first on the team and fifth in Big Ten in scoring (18.6) and first on the team and eighth in the conference in free throw percentage (.878). The native of Haughton, LA, has netted 20 points or more four times, which ranks second in the Big Ten. She netted a career-high 33 points at Drake on Dec. 18. Smith’s performances have already turned some heads.

“Crystal is just an outstanding player,” said Iowa State Head Coach Bill Fennelly. “She’s an impact player on both ends of the floor. I hope we don’t have to play a guard as good as her the rest of the season.”

“I’ve been around the game a long time and Crystal is as good a player I’ve ever seen,” said Northern Iowa Head Coach Tony DiCecco. “She has a lot of tools. She’s extremely difficult to defend because at a split second she’s at full speed. She’s lightning quick and I tip my hat to her.”

Center Jamie Cavey has been a force down in the post. The senior tri-captain, ranks second on the team and 14th in the Big Ten in scoring (15.4) and first on the team and fourth in the conference in field goal percentage (.606).

Cavey is the only Iowa player to score double figures all nine games. She was named to the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge and Junkanoo Jam all-Tournament teams.

ATTENDANCE RANKINGS
Iowa’s home attendance average (3,654) ranks 19th nationally in the latest attendance rankings released Dec. 20. The Hawkeyes are the fifth-highest ranked Big Ten team behind No. 5 Purdue (8,347), No. 8 Penn State (7,217), No. 9 Minnesota (7,167) and No. 12 Wisconsin (5,710).

HAWKEYES CAPTURE MYTHICAL STATE TITLE
Iowa captured its second mythical state title in three years. The Hawkeyes first defeated Iowa State (89-80) on Dec. 1, followed by victories over and Northern Iowa (77-50) on Dec. 8 and Drake (80-69) on Dec. 18.

SHARING THE WEALTH
Iowa’s triangle offense generates many assists. The Hawkeyes have five players who average two assists or more. Small forward Johanna Solverson (3.3) leads the team, followed by center Jamie Cavey (3.0), shooting guard Crystal Smith (2.6), power forward Krista VandeVenter (2.4) and point guard Abby Emmert (2.3).

VANDEVENTER CLEANS THE GLASS
Krista VandeVenter has been Iowa’s leading rebounder in seven of its 10 games, including the first five contests of the season. VandeVenter pulled down six rebounds vs. Florida, 11 against Oklahoma and a career-high 14 at Creighton. The freshman averages 8.5 boards per game. The last time an Iowa player led the team in rebounding five consecutive games was Jerica Watson in the last five games of the 2001-02 season.

The Osseo, MN, native has also done a good job offensively. VandeVenter scored all of her nine points in the second half against the Sooners. She also tallied 10 points vs. Iowa State and a career-best 19 on 8-11 FG and 3-5 from the charity stripe at Creighton. VandeVenter averages 8.3 ppg. The post player also ranks fourth in assists (24), just nine back from team leader Johanna Solverson (33). She has also recorded two steals in five games.

BENCH PLAYERS BECOME DIFFERENCE-MAKERS
Stacy Schlapkohl was a key factor in Iowa’s victory over Florida and Northern Iowa. Schlapkohl scored eight points on a perfect 4-4 shooting from the field vs. the Gators. She also collected two rebounds and one steal in 15 minutes of action. The native of Durant, IA, had a career day against Northern Iowa. Schlapkohl posted career highs in points (18), free throws made (7), steals (2), blocks (1) and rebounds (3). She was a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line and 6-7 from the field.

Morgan Kasperek was Iowa’s clutch bench performer vs. No. 21 Oklahoma on Nov. 27. Kasperek, who was fighting a flu bug earlier in the week, played 15 minutes and scored six points and corralled four rebounds while Cavey sat on the bench in foul trouble.

Jeneé Graham posted career bests in points (5), rebounds (4) and minutes played (20) in Iowa’s thrilling come-from-behind overtime win at Creighton. In addition, it didn’t show up in the box score, but Graham was a star defensively in the second half and overtime. The freshman deflected many passes and forced Creighton turnovers.

RAINING THREES
Iowa has made at least one 3-pointer in 187 consecutive contests. It is a streak that has occurred over a span of seven seasons. The last time the Hawkeyes did not make a 3-pointer was against Purdue in the Big Ten Tournament on March 1, 1998.

SENIOR STARTS (ARM)STRONG
Senior Jenna Armstrong has had a good start to the 2004-05 season. Armstrong averages 20.1 minuntes per game and ranks fifth on the team in scoing (6.5). She has already eclipsed her scoring total from last year. Last season, Armstrong scored 36 points in 24 games, while she has already amassed 65 in only 10 contests this year. Armstrong has scored double figures three times this season and six in her career.

The native of Stockton, MO, ranks first on the squad in 3-pointers made (12). She also pulled down a career-high six rebounds in Iowa’s win over Marquette.

EMMERT MAKES HISTORY
Abby Emmert became only the second Iowa freshman to start at point guard. Prior to this season, Cara Consuegra was Iowa’s only freshman to start at point guard (1997).

Crystal Smith NAMED CO-BIG TEN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Crystal Smith was named co-Big Ten Player of the Week along with Minnesota senior Janel McCarville on Dec. 20. The honor, the first of Smith’s career, marked the first time a Hawkeye has earned the accolade this season.

Smith sparked the Hawkeyes to their ninth consecutive victory to start the season as Iowa defeated Drake (80-69) in Des Moines.

In the 11-point win over the Bulldogs, Smith netted a game and career-high 33 points on 12-16 shooting from the field, including 2-4 from 3-point range and 7-8 from the foul line. The 12 field goals made is also a career best, which ranks second among Big Ten players this season. The native of Haughton, LA, also pulled down six rebounds and dished out one assist. Her 33-point effort tied Lindsey Bowen of Michigan State for the highest point total by a Big Ten student-athlete this season.

Iowa’s junior shooting guard is in the midst of a career season. Smith averaged 3.9 points per game last year and so far this season ranks second in Big Ten scoring (18.7 ppg). The 5-6 senior, also ranks eighth in Big Ten field goal (.558) and free throw (.857) percentage. She has led Iowa in scoring four times and has posted 20 points or more four times this season.

COMEBACK KIDS
Iowa’s 15-point second half rally at Creighton is the second-largest comeback under Coach Bluder. The Hawkeyes rallied from 18 down in the second half to bounce Indiana (81-76) from the 2001 Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Last season the Hawkeyes trailed Wisconsin by eight points with 39 seconds left and rallied to win in overtime (87-82) on the road.

HAWKEYES TOP OKLAHOMA WITH DEFENSE
Iowa upset No. 21 Oklahoma 54-47 on Nov. 27 in the championship game of the Junkanoo Jam. The last time the Hawkeyes won a game scoring 54 points or less was a 50-47 triumph over Michigan State on Feb. 22, 2001, in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

SOLVERSON TIES ARENA RECORD
Johanna Solverson’s perfect 4-4 shooting from 3-point range tied a Carver-Hawkeye Arena record for 3-point field goal percentage. Solverson joins Minnesota’s Jodi Olson (4-4), Miami of Ohio’s Adrienne Spatz (4-4), Iowa’s Steph Schueler (4-4), Iowa’s Stacy Frese (5-5) and Southwest Missouri State’s Jennifer Lingor (5-5) in the record books.

Solverson’s overall 6-6 shooting from the field was perfect, but did not tie an arena record. The record, which is a minimum of eight attempts, is held by Andrea Harmon (8-8) and current teammate Jamie Cavey (9-9).

FRESHMEN START FOR HAWKEYES
Point guard Abby Emmert and power forward Krista VandeVenter started Iowa’s first seven games.

Emmert and VandeVenter became the first Iowa freshmen duo to start since the 1994-95 season where newcomers Tiffany Gooden and Tangela Smith started 17 and 15 games, respectively.

BIG TEN RANKINGS
As a team, the Hawkeyes rank second in Big Ten field goal percentage (.499), fourth in scoring offense (75.1) and assists (17.1) and fifth in rebounding margin (+7.5) and offensive rebounds (13.4).

Individually, Crystal Smith ranks fifth in the league scoring (18.6), eighth in free throw percentage (.878), seventh in field goal percentage (.558) and 11th in steals (2.1). Jamie Cavey ranks 14th in scoring (15.4), fourth in field goal percentage (.606) and third in blocked shots (2.3). Krista VandeVenter ranks fifth in rebounding (8.5) and third in offensive rebounds (3.6). Johanna Solverson ranks third in steals (2.5).

IOWA’S BIG TEN SCHEDULE
Iowa’s Big Ten portion of its schedule includes home-and-away contests against Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern and Ohio State.

The Hawkeyes have single games with Penn State, Minnesota, Purdue and Wisconsin. Iowa will travel to Minneapolis and West Lafayette, while the Lady Lions and Badgers will visit Iowa City.

HAWKEYES WIN TOURNAMENTS
Iowa won two holiday tournaments this season. The Hawkeyes opened the season with wins over Southern Illinois (66-50) and Missouri (75-54) to claim its 16th KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge championship.

One week later, the Hawkeyes defeated Florida (65-62) and then-No. 21 Oklahoma (54-47) to capture the Junkanoo Jam in the Bahamas.

Crystal Smith was named MVP of both tournaments. Smith averaged 12.0 ppg and was the defensive star of the Junkanoo Jam. The junior averaged 17.5 ppg and 3.5 spg in the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge. The native of Haughton, LA, scored 26 points in the championship game vs. Missouri, shattering her previous career high (10 points). Furthermore, Smith was a perfect 7-7 from the foul line, setting new career highs in free throws made and attempted.

Jamie Cavey joined Smith on both all-tournament teams. Cavey averaged 15.5 ppg and 5.0 rpg in the Junkanoo Jam and 12.5 ppg in the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge. Johanna Solverson joined Smith and Cavey on the KCRG-TV9 Hawkeye Challenge all-tournament team. Solverson averaged 12.5 ppg in the two games and was a perfect 6-6 shooting from the field, including 4-4 from beyond the arc in Iowa’s first round 66-50 win over Southern Illinois. The four 3-pointers is a career high, as is her game-high six steals against the Salukis.

HAWKEYES ADD WALK-ON
Head Coach Lisa Bluder announced that Ebone Pope (Ottumwa, IA) has been added to the 2004-05 roster as a walk-on. The 5-9 guard will wear No. 15.

Pope was a two-year starter at Marshalltown Community College. Pope averaged a team-best 11.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 2.7 apg last year. She was team captain, earned first team all-conference and first team all-tournament honors last season. She averaged 9.0 ppg and earned all-region honorable mention accolades her freshman year.

She graduated from Ottumwa High School in 2002, where she averaged 14.5 ppg, 3.5 apg and 3.3 rpg. Pope earned second team all-conference laurels her junior and senior years. Her high school team competed in the state tournament her senior season.

Pope joins Kristi Faulkner (2001-04) as the only walk-ons to make a Hawkeye roster under Coach Bluder.

CENTER OF ATTENTION
For the first time under Coach Bluder, Iowa started its season with a returning starting center.

Since Bluder began coaching the Hawkeyes in 2000 Iowa has had a different center to start the season. Randi Peterson was Iowa’s starter in 2000-01, followed by Beatrice Bullock (2001-02), Tracy Schrupp (2002-03) and Jamie Cavey (2003-04). Peterson, Bullock and Schrupp were all seniors.

Cavey becomes Iowa’s first center to start consecutive seasons since Amy Herrig (1998-99).

IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
Iowa has recorded at least one victory over a ranked opponent in each of the five years under Coach Bluder. These are Iowa’s most recent wins vs. nationally ranked opponents:

At Home: 81-61 over 11th-ranked Minnesota, 2/19/04
On the Road: 78-67 over 18th-ranked Michigan State, 2/1/04
Neutral Court: 54-47 over 21st-ranked Oklahoma, 11/27/04

HAWKEYES ADD THIRD JERSEYS
For the first time under Coach Bluder’s tenure, Iowa will have three colored jerseys this season (white, black and gold). The last time Iowa played in gold jerseys was during the 1999-00 season.

RICHARDS STARTS SEASON ON THE SIDELINES
Point guard Lindsay Richards underwent successful surgery on July 7 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee.

The junior is expected to make a full recovery and hopes to return to the Hawkeye lineup in January. The native of Barrington, IL, sustained the injury during practice with the Big Ten All-Stars before the team left for Australia in early-June. This is the second time in as many years she has undergone surgery to repair a damaged ACL in her right knee. Richards’ first ACL injury came in a home game against Denver on December 12, 2002.

Richards started all 29 games for the Hawkeyes last year. She ranked fifth on the team in scoring (5.4 ppg) and free throw percentage (39-51, .765), second in assists (85) and fourth in steals (27). Her 2.93 assists average ranked 11th in the Big Ten. Richards was also an academic all-Big Ten selection last year.

Before injuring her knee as a freshman, she played in eight games as a reserve, averaging 4.5 ppg, 1.6 rpg and dishing out 29 assists. Richards will not receive a medical redshirt for her freshman season.

HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster features five players from the state of Iowa (Jamie Cavey, Abby Emmert, Ebone Pope, Tiffany Reedy and Stacy Schlapkohl). The Hawkeyes also have four players from the state of Illinois (Lindsay Richards, Johanna Solverson, Jeneé Graham and Morgan Kasperek). Iowa’s 12-person roster also features players from Missouri (Jenna Armstrong), Minnesota (Krista VandeVenter) and Louisiana (Crystal Smith).

NUTHIN’ BUT NET
Catch all the University of Iowa women’s basketball games over the Internet at www.hawkeyesports.com. Fans can listen to live or replay previously played games. Just click on the “Multimedia” link near the top of the page. There is a cost for the service.

“HAWK TALK WITH Lisa Bluder”
Catch “Hawk Talk with Lisa Bluder”, the radio call-in program Monday nights featuring Iowa Hawkeye women’s head coach Lisa Bluder, on KXIC-AM 800 in Iowa, WHO-AM 1040 in Des Moines and WMT-AM 600 in Cedar Rapids from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Fans can call toll-free at (800) 332-5401 or locally at (319) 365-0600.

IOWA INFORMATION ON THE WEB
Statistics and play-by-play accounts of all Iowa home games and most road contests will be available live on the internet. The statistical program allows viewers to read the play-by-play action just moments after it takes place, and to view all individual and team statistics while the game is in progress.

The program can be accessed through www.hawkeyesports.com and then clicking on the Gametracker link.

HY-VEE CY-HAWK SERIES
Iowa leads the inaugural Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series 9-4. Iowa has recorded victories in football (17-10), women’s basketball (89-80), women’s swimming and diving (214-85) and men’s basketball (70-63). Iowa State won in women’s soccer (6-1) and wrestling (19-16).

A point system will track each institution’s performance and will culminate in one institution winning the annual trophy for the Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series. Intercollegiate athletic teams from Iowa and Iowa State will square off in head-to-head competition nine different times during the 2004-05 academic year. The competition this year is in men’s basketball, women’s basketball, wrestling, women’s gymnastics, women’s soccer, softball and women’s swimming and diving. Additional points will be available for each school to secure based on successful performance in the classroom by its student-athletes. Listed below is the upcoming competition schedule:
Jan. 28, W. Gymnastics — 2 points
Feb. 19, W. Gymnastics — 2 points
Apr. 19, Softball — 2 points
2 points for an institution if the student-athlete graduation rate for all student-athletes is greater than the national average for all student-athletes.

AFTER THIS
Iowa hits the road again when the Hawkeyes travel to Champaign, IL, to face Illinois on Jan. 2. The Hawkeyes return home on Jan. 6 to host Penn State.