DENVER - Senior Ashly Robinson (Bloomington, Minn.) and junior Britteni Rice (Pampa, Texas) will co-captain the 2009-10 Pioneer women's basketball team, head coach Erik Johnson announced.

"We have a very young team this year so the leadership of our experienced players will be a huge key to our success," Johnson said. "Ashly and Britteni were both major players last year on a successful team so they understand the commitment and attention to detail that it takes to be successful at this level. They understand our system and the culture of excellence that we need to define our program every day. Ashly and Britteni also have the personality and communication skills to lead this team to new heights."

Last season, Robinson had a break-out season starting in all 31 games for the Pioneers, leading the team with 243 rebounds while averaging 9.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game. The forward shot 49.8 percent from the field and 81.5 percent from the free-throw line. During her three seasons with Denver, Robinson has tallied 370 points and grabbed 222 rebounds.

Named the 2008-09 Team MVP, Rice led the Pioneers last season with 337 points through 29 games, posting a 41.2 accuracy rating from the field, 32.9 percent from three-point range and 84.2 percent from the line, which ranked her 29th in the nation. In two seasons with DU, the guard has amassed 418 points through 57 games.

The Pioneers open up their season at home with contests against Wyoming and Colorado State before heading on a six-game road trip that spans four states. For the first time under Coach Johnson, the Pioneers will head out west to California to face UC Davis and San Jose State. Last season, DU defeated UC Davis 64-50 in Hamilton Gymnasium making it Coach Johnson's first-ever win as a head coach. 

- PIONEERS -