ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Interstat) — A surging Navy women’s basketball team will look to solidify its position near the top of the Patriot League when it hosts Loyola Maryland on Wednesday afternoon at Alumni Hall.

The Midshipmen (20-7 overall) enter the matchup having won seven of their last eight games, including a 73-63 road victory at Colgate on Saturday. They currently sit in second place in the conference standings. The Greyhounds (12-16) are looking to halt a two-game skid after a 66-48 home loss to Holy Cross on the same day.

Navy, which boasts one of the league’s most potent offenses, is led by standout guard Zanai Barnett-Gay. She is coming off a dominant 31-point, five-assist performance against Colgate and has averaged 17.1 points per game over her last seven contests. Her ability to score and facilitate will be a primary focus for the Loyola defense.

The Greyhounds will counter with guard Kimmie Hicks, who has been a consistent contributor. Hicks scored 16 points in 35 minutes in the loss to Holy Cross and poured in 19 points in a narrow loss to Lehigh earlier this month. She will need a strong performance to keep pace with Navy’s attack.

This will be the second meeting between the teams this season. On Jan. 31 in Baltimore, Navy secured a 68-62 victory. In that game, the Midshipmen used a balanced effort to overcome the Greyhounds.

For Loyola, the challenge will be containing Navy’s offensive rhythm while finding scoring beyond Hicks. Lex Therien, who had 12 points in the last outing, will be another key piece. Navy, meanwhile, will aim to leverage its home-court advantage and superior record to complete the regular-season sweep.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday in Annapolis.