Iowa brings spirit to Rec

By BRAD YOUNG
Collegian Sports Writer

Iowa Pride is emblazoned on the practice uniforms and dwells in the hearts of the members of Iowa's women's basketball team.

It is a pride born 12 seasons ago, when C. Vivian Stringer took over a doormat program. It is a pride bred since then in 5:30 a.m. practices and manifested in 266 wins, six Big Ten titles, nine straight NCAA tournament berths, 10 straight 20-win seasons and a 1993 Final Four appearance.

But the Hawkeyes (8-14, 4-8 Big Ten) will stumble into Rec Hall today for their game with the No. 11 Lady Lions (18-4, 9-3), having lost five of their last six contests. The game will be broadcast by ESPN on tape delay next Tuesday at 1 p.m., and a Penn State win will all but guarantee the first losing campaign in Stringer's 23-year coaching career.

"Iowa is traditionally not used to losing this many games," Hawkeye center Jenny Noll said. "It's just frustrating because we know we can be better, we know that we are better."

Noll also said despite their recent fortunes, the Hawkeyes have been improving. Lady Lion Coach Rene Portland agrees and realizes that no matter what is in the win/loss column, Iowa remains a stiff challenge because of its excellent defensive pressure and strong work ethic.

"When you look at their record, it's not typical Iowa," Portland said. "But when the ball goes into the air on Friday night, you're going to see typical Iowa."

A primary reason for Iowa's struggle is injuries. They have chiseled away at a team that was supposed to contend for the conference championship. Iowa has been hit particularly hard in its frontcourt, where injuries have left just three healthy post players.

"If, God forbid, two of us get in foul trouble," Noll said, "we might have to move Coach Stringer into the post."

In both the Iowa game and a Sunday scrum with Minnesota (12-11, 7-6) at 2 p.m. in Rec Hall, the Lady Lions will be shorthanded as well. Forward Angie Potthoff, the team's leading scorer and rebounder, will see limited action as she continues to battle exhaustion.

"We just divide her points and divide her rebounds, and if everybody takes some, we'll be fine," Portland said.

The Lady Lions were far less than fine when they played Minnesota on Jan. 6. They shot poorly, losing 71-56 in Minneapolis.

They will have to play much better to beat both Minnesota and an Iowa team that will be fired up because of a national television audience and Penn State's high ranking.

"I think we will see a great effort from the team," Stringer said. "When we are motivated, we can upset anyone."