The Chadron State College women's basketball team will open its season by playing the Augustana Vikings in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Friday. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. (CST).
 
Augustana has been a power over the years and was disappointed with its 16-12 record a year ago. Coach Dave Krauth is in his 26^th season as the Vikings' coach. Last season, he became the 20^th NCAA Division II head coach to lead his teams to 500 victories.
 
Chadron State finished 4-22 last winter and graduated its two top scorers and rebounders, Kattie Ranta and Kayli Rageth. They combined to average 33 points and 15.5 rebounds.
 
Only four players from a year ago are on this season's roster, but seventh year head coach Tim Connealy brought in an array of newcomers, including three from Australia and one each from New Zealand and Denmark.
 
The team's only senior, Kate Simonton, who averaged 6.0 points, and junior Hattie Guzman, who averaged 4.8, are returning starters and ranked one-two in assists last season.
 
The other letterwinners are guard Havannah Newens and Maddie Metzger, a 6-foot post. Both are sophomores.
 
The roster includes three transfers who were junior college standouts. They are Stephanie Knowles and Allegria Chisom, both 5-10, and Emma Block, a 5-7 point guard and Denmark native.
 
Another force is expected to be Maka Daysh, a strong, 6-foot freshman who hails from New Zealand. Connealy said she has excellent speed and footwork and can score in various ways.
 
One of the Australians, Kayla Mathews, is being counted on to give the Eagles another capable backcourt player.
 
The other Aussies, Ruby Luders and Michaela Lappin, both 5-10, could also strengthen the Eagles in the front court.
 
Three freshmen from the immediate area—Katie O'Boyle of Gering, Emily Perrett of Valentine and Christi Sioux Bob of Red Cloud—are in line to see action off the bench.
 
Augustana's only senior, Shaunteva Ashley, is one of the Northern Sun Conference's top players. She shot 48.6 percent from the field while averaging 18 points and four assists last season.  
 
The Eagles will open play in the new Chicoine Events Center at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 against Montana State-Billings. The Yellowjackets, who barely edged the Eagles 59-55 in Billings a year ago, finished the season with a 25-8 record and reached the Division II Sweet 16.
 
All-American point guard Bobbi Knudsen has graduated, but the four seniors on this year's team include preseason all-conference choices Kayleen Goggins and Janiel Olson.