Buffs Back in Action

Monday, October 29

Boulder, Colo.

7 p.m.

Colorado

Southern Nazarene (Exhibition)

Photo by: Cliff Grassmick

October 28, 2018 | Women's Basketball

CU hosts Southern Nazarene in exhibition play on Monday

By: Seth Pringle, Assistant SID

BOULDER—The University of Colorado women's basketball team hits the court for the first time this season on Monday. The Buffaloes will host Southern Nazarene in exhibition play at the CU Events Center.

Colorado has been waiting since August to suit up against someone other than themselves. The Buffs got an early jump on the season with their trip to Italy. The team got a brief break from basketball following the trip, but it has been strictly business since officially opening practice in September.

"I think we have come together really well," head coach JR Payne said. "I thought we came together fantastically this summer. We have really built upon the work we did this summer in this last month of practice. We are fired up, excited and ready to go."

Colorado's starting lineup figures to feature some familiar faces. CU returns four of last year's starting five, led by seniors Kennedy Leonard and Alexis Robinson. Junior Quinessa Caylao-Do and sophomore Annika Jank will also add starting experience from a year ago. Junior Mathilde Diop adds to the depth on the roster with her 22 games played as a sophomore.

The Buffs are loaded in young talent this season, featuring nine underclassmen on the roster. Peyton Carter, Mya Hollingshed, Aubrey Knight and Jank all enter their second season at Colorado. CU will also mix in five new faces this season. Freshmen Cameron Swartz, Emma Clarke, Lesila Finau, Kai Volcy and Sirena Tuitele will all get action this season.

"I really look for them [the freshmen] to rely on their older teammates," Payne added. "The things we talk about a lot daily are, 'do your job,' Really understanding the job you are supposed to do. We rely heavily on that. We could be playing the Los Angeles Lakers and we would be outclassed athletically, but I would still expect us to know what our job is."

Monday's exhibition is free. Game time is set for 7 p.m. MT.

Colorado's home-opener is Nov. 6 against Northern Colorado. For ticket information visit CUBuffs.com/tickets.