Buffs Host Northern Colorado in Season Opener

Tuesday, November 6

Boulder, Colo.

7:00 PM

Colorado

Northern Colorado

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Photo by: Tim Benko, Benko Photographics

November 04, 2018 | Women's Basketball

Game Notes (PDF)

The 2018-19 campaign starts on Tuesday

By: Seth Pringle, Assistant SID

BOULDER –The University of Colorado women's basketball team opens the 2018-19 season against Northern Colorado on Tuesday (7 p.m.) at the CU Events Center.

It will be the first time since 2016 that the Buffaloes open the season on their home court. Colorado defeated Northern Colorado, 83-62, in head coach JR Payne's first game.

Coach Payne got a good look at her squad in the Buffs' 93-43 exhibition win over Southern Nazarene last Monday. Sophomore Aubrey Knight led the way with 17 points. Seniors Alexis Robinson and Kennedy Leonard added 13 points apiece.

"To be able to lace up and play was huge for us," Leonard said following the exhibition. "It was good all the young players who have never put on a uniform. To get those jitters out, you know the Leslia's, the Peanut's—all those type of people. For them to be able to put on the uniform and play in front of actual people is pretty crucial with the games coming up."

Colorado's roster is a mixture of youth and experience. CU returns four of its starting five from last season. Junior Quinessa Caylao-Do and sophomore Annika Jank combine with Robinson and Leonard in the starting rotation. The team has a youthful core, featuring nine underclassmen. 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 Peanut Tuitele will all get action this season.

Tuesday's opener is the first of three straight home games for the Buffs. CU will take on Colorado State (Nov. 14) and North Carolina (Nov. 18). Colorado has nine non-conference games in all at the CU Event Center, only hitting the road for Thanksgiving and a trip to Miami (Fla.) in December.

Scouting Northern Colorado: The Bears made their first trip to the NCAA Tournament last season, winning the Big Sky Conference Tournament. UNC head coach Kamie Ethridge has since departed for Washington Staten and has been replaced by first-year head coach—and former Buff—Jenny Huth. The Bears have shortened roster with just 10 players at the start of the season. Senior Savannah Smith is their leading returner. She was both the Big Sky regular season and tournament MVP. She led the Big Sky last season with a 51.8 field goal percentage.