SAN ANTONIO – The UTSA women's basketball team opens the 2018-19 season when it hosts Sul Ross State on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Convocation Center in the team's only exhibition game. Admission is free for the contest.
In her second year as head coach, Kristen Holt looks to build off a team that ranked third in Conference USA in offensive rebounds last season. The squad features 12 student-athletes, including eight returners and three freshmen. Returning starters Marie Benson, Tija Hawkins and Kourtney Kekec, the lone senior, look to lead the team. Benson averaged 14.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Hawkins averaged 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds, while Kekec posted a free throw percentage of 69. The Roadrunners welcome freshmen Mandi Cooks, Charlotte Ellmore and Ryann Stearns.
Friday's exhibition serves as the team's only tune-up before the start of the 2018-19 season, which begins on Tuesday, Nov. 6, when the Roadrunners host Concordia Texas at 7 p.m. at the Convocation Center. UTSA finished the 2017-18 campaign 9-21 overall and 6-10 in C-USA action.
Sul Ross State closed the 2017-18 season 6-19 overall and 4-13 in the American Southwest Conference. The Lobos return seven from last year's squad and welcome nine new players to the team.
This is just the second time the two teams are meeting. The first time the Roadrunners faced the Lobos was Nov. 10, 2017 when UTSA hosted Sul Ross State and won 97-47.
Fans can find live stats for the exhibition tilt on the Roadrunner basketball schedule at goUTSA.com and can stream the match live for free on C-USA.tv.
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