The Ashland University women’s basketball team is preparing for their weekend matchup after defeating Indianapolis 74-57 before Thanksgiving break.

The Eagles will look to face the Grand Valley State University Lakers and the Ferris State University Bulldogs in their trip up north this weekend.

Their last competition was on Tuesday Nov. 24 in Indianapolis, Indiana when the team took on the Greyhounds bringing home another victory, adding to their undefeated record. 

“I thought we had some challenges, we had a few players in foul trouble but we had so many people step up,” said head coach Robyn Fralick. “I thought it was a good team win. It was not necessarily a pretty win, but it was a team win.”

The team will begin their GLIAC conference play after moving up two spots to No. 13 in the USA TODAY Sports Division II Top 25 women’s basketball poll.

The Eagles are not strangers to playing on the road after playing three out of their first four games away.

“I always say, it doesn’t matter if the gym is dark or light or home or road,” said Fralick. “When its time to hoop, you need to hoop.”

Neither the Lakers nor the Bulldogs are ranked in the top 25, although both have consistently strong programs.

Grand Valley went 20-8 last year, marking their first 20-win season since 2010-2011. The Lakers are returning senior guard Brionna Barnett who collected an All-GLIAC First Team award along with junior Kayla Dawson who was named to the All-GLIAC second Team.

“It’s the GLIAC,” said Fralick. “We know that when you play conference you are going to have to come ready to play and the level of competition is really good.”

The Bulldogs had a tough 2014-2015-season going 11-14 overall and 9-13 in the GLIAC. Ferris will bring back a strong line up and are familiar with AU’s squad.

“In the GLIAC everyone knows each other better,” said Fralick. “You have to be ready to make adjustments and play well.”

The Eagles are returning number of players themselves and despite only have two seniors, the experience they possess will prove to be the team’s greatest asset.

“The leadership we feel like is a huge strength,” said Fralick. “In a lot of ways, we are still a younger team, we are a very experienced team. A lot of our returning players have gotten playing time and a lot game experience in big games.”

In hopes of maintain their undefeated record, the Eagles will first play the Lakers on Dec. 3 and the Bulldogs on Dec. 5.