The first week of conference play in SLIAC women's basketball will put two of the league's most newsworthy teams this fall meeting when Principia College faces Greenville University. Principia, coming off a one-win campaign last year, has already recorded five wins this season; their most since the 2014-15 season. Meanwhile, Greenville garnered headlines when they defeated WashU 79-70, marking its first win against the perennial power since the 1982-83 season, a span of 12 games. Principia and Greenville will play this Saturday at 1 p.m. in Greenville, Illinois.
Overall Record: 5-3
SLIAC Record: 0-0
SLIAC Preseason Finish: 8th
After being picked 8th in the SLIAC preseason poll Principia has already surpassed expectations this year, going 5-3 during the first half of the season. The Panthers have dropped two in a row as they begin conference play and will be on the road against Fontbonne on Thursday to open up conference play. Principia is averaging 67.4 points per game this season, allowing 67.9 per game. Their offense is based around an inside game and they rank 2nd in the league in total rebounds.
The Panthers use a six-player rotation but every starter is averaging in double figures in scoring. Ariana Williams leads the way at 15.6 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. Taylor Brown is the team's top outside threat with 11 three-pointers and is averaging 15.0 points per game. Paige Fowler is putting up 11.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Overall Record: 7-4
SLIAC Record: 0-0
SLIAC Preseason Finish: 3rd
Greenville was picked 3rd in the SLIAC Coaches Preseason Poll and currently has the second-best record this season at 7-4 overall. The Panthers are coming off a loss to Millikin on December 31 and will face Eureka on Wednesday in a road contest. The Panthers are averaging 73.3 points per game on offense, the 2nd best in the league, and are allowing 64.7 points per game. They rank second in the league in field goal percentage and three-point percentage and first in free throw percentage.
Emily Reinneck and Madelyn Stephen are the Panthers' scoring duo. Reinneck, a three-time All-Conference player, is averaging 14.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while leading the league with 35 steals. Stephen is putting up 14.4 points per game while shooting 43 percent from the field and ranking second in the league with 33 assists. Savana Powell-Goodman has come off the bench to average 9.3 points per game while freshman Maddy Meek is averaging 6.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.
The Series: Greenville leads the all-time series against Principia 41-6 and has won the last 12 meetings. Greenville swept the series last year, winning by an average of 27 points. Principia's last win came on February 18, 2012.