DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Augustana women's basketball team opens their season tomorrow at the Loras Tip-Off Classic, a two-day tournament where the Vikings will match up against both the Simpson Storm and Loras Duhawks.

The Vikings enter the season with elevated expectations after finishing 6-10 in CCIW play and posting a 12-13 overall record a year ago. Head coach Mark Beinborn's roster boasts more depth and returns multiple starters this season, including 2022 All-Conference recipients Gabriela Loiz (First Team) and Macy Beinborn (Second Team). 

Loiz started every game for the Vikings last season and averaged 14.3 points per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. Beinborn averaged 12.8 points per game and was a consistent bucket behind the three-point line, shooting 40% from deep. 

The Vikings have never faced the Simpson Storm in regular or postseason play. Simpson resides in the American Rivers Conference and is coached by Brian Niemuth, who is entering his 36th season at the helm. 

Simpson finished the 2021-22 season with an impressive 26-2 overall record, which included a perfect 15-0 conference schedule. The Storm fell out of their conference tournament in the second round, losing 64-56 to UW-Oshkosh to end their season. 

Loras leads the all-time series with Augustana 7-4. The last matchup between the two programs came in 2015, where the Vikings fell at home to the Duhawks by a 72-61 score.

Loras concluded their 2021-22 season with a 19-8 overall record, boasting a 12-4 record in the American Rivers Conference. Loras lost in the second round of their conference tournament last season, falling 68-54 to number two seed Wartburg. The Duhawks are led by head coach Justin Heinzen, who is entering his 16th season.

Start time for the Vikings on Friday is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. against Simpson, a matchup where Augie will serve as the home team. A live stat link can be found here. Augie will then face tournament host Loras at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Stream and stat links for that matchup can be found here.