LIBERTY, Mo. - The William Jewell women's basketball team continues their early season home stand this week as they host Upper Iowa on Thursday followed by a matchup with Blackburn College on Friday evening. 

THE SERIES

• The Cardinals are 2-1 against Upper Iowa in the NCAA era, but the teams haven't met since November 2015. Friday's meeting with the Beavesr will be the first with Blackburn in the NCAA era.     

CARDINAL NOTES

• Emree Zars was one of four players in the GLVC to post a double-double in the opening weekend. The rookie's 15 rebounds against Northern Michigan is the top total in the conference through the opening weekend and tied for fourth most in Jewell's NCAA era. After two games she is averaging 10 rebounds per game, including nine defense, which are both tops in the league. 
• Newcomers accounted for 53% of the Cardinal offense last weekend as Emree Zars, Ayden Shannon and Chloe Frank combined for 44 of the team's 83 points. Shannon also added 2.5 assists per game while Frank had 3.5 rebounds 1.5 blocks. Bree Shannon added 13.5 minutes of action with one rebound and one steal. 
• Rachel Senn returned from last season's injury to average 6.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while playing in 38 minutes over two games. She tied her career high with 10 points against Northern Michigan. 
• Jewell averaged 36 rebounds per game through the first weekend, fourth best in the GLVC. The Cardinals are second in the league with 29 defensive boards per game. 
• Jewell improved in nearly every facet from game one to game two, including shooting 17% better from the field, 26% better from three, pulling down 38 rebounds, handing out five assists and scoring 19 more points against Northern Michigan.