By Shannon Russell
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Laurie Pirtle goes for her 250th coaching win tonight as UC hosts its final regular-season home doubleheader, and Xavier plays St. Bonaventure and Duquesne in Atlantic 10 action during a weekend of conference showdowns.

Pirtle, the UC women's all-time winningest coach, and the Bearcats (18-5, 8-2 Conference USA) host DePaul at 7 p.m. today and Marquette at 3 p.m. Sunday in Shoemaker Center.

UC trails C-USA leader Charlotte by one game and will launch the weekend with third-place DePaul (19-7, 8-3).

Sunday, against Marquette (13-10, 5-6), is the Bearcats' senior day.

Xavier (17-7, 9-4 A-10) will attempt a fourth straight win at 7 p.m. today when it hosts St. Bonaventure (6-17, 3-9) at Cintas Center.

The Musketeers, second in the conference's West Division behind George Washington (11-1 A-10), must hold off conference competition the next two weekends. The top two seeds in the East and West divisions receive first-round byes in the A-10 Tournament.

UC vs. DePaul
Records: UC 18-5 (8-2 Conference USA), DePaul 19-7 (8-3).
When: 7 p.m. today.
Where: Shoemaker Center.
Tickets: $5 adults.

Xavier vs. St. Bonaventure
Records: Xavier 17-7 (9-4 Atlantic 10), St. Bonaventure 6-17 (3-9).
When: 7 p.m. today.
Where: Cintas Center.
Tickets: $5 adults.

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MIAMI: The Mid-American Conference East race heats up at 4 p.m. Sunday when the RedHawks (13-10, 8-4 MAC) fight for first place at Kent State (13-10, 8-4). Sunday's game will be televised on Fox Sports Ohio.

AWARDS: The Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Women's Sports Association nominations are due Feb. 28. The 10th annual awards honor athletes and coaches who excel in women's sports and fitness. Nomination forms and banquet information can be found at www.cincywomensports.org.