Reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player-of-the-Year Katie Dinnebier says the next step for the Drake women is to win a game in the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs are favored to win a third straight Missouri Valley title but the last two years ended with an opening round loss in the NCAA Tournament.

Dinnebier says the Bulldogs are not satisfied by just getting to the tournament.

Drake’s biggest challenge may come from UNI. The Panthers have an experienced squad led by forward Grace Boffeli who is hoping for a healthy season.

Boffeli says experience is a strength.

The Panthers open November fifth against Wisconsin-Lacrosse. The Bulldogs open November fourth at North Dakota State.