DENVER – The University of Denver women's basketball team opens the 2018-19 season on Friday night when the Pioneers host UMKC in Hamilton Gymnasium at 7 p.m MT.

Denver finished the 2017-18 season with an overall record of 16-14, going 7-7 in The Summit League. The Pioneers enter the season having lost six student-athletes, including Jordan Alt who started in all 30 games last year. Head coach Jim Turgeon will rely on returners Claire Gritt and Samantha Romanowski to continue the upward progression the team saw last year.

The Crimson and Gold improved by 10 wins last season, increasing their win total from six in 2016-17 to 16 in 2017-18. Gritt, who was named honorable mention-all league during her freshman season after averaging 10 points, three assists and three rebounds, will attempt to take the next step in her collegiate career. Turgeon will also count on Romanowski (7.9 ppg and 81 assists last season) and fellow senior Haley Simental to try and guide the young team to another successful campaign. Simental missed the 2017-18 season with an injury.

UMKC second-year head coach Jaycie Hoyt will look to have another successful season after finishing 11-17 overall but 7-7 in the WAC during the 2017-18 campaign. The 'Roos will have to fill the void of Aries Washington who averaged 17.3 points and five rebounds per game in 2017-18. Senior Kristen Moore, who averaged 13.9 points and six rebounds per game, will try and help coach Hoyt get off to a good start in year two. UMKC kicked off the season on Thursday against Kansas, falling in a close game 67-55. 

The two teams faced off last season at the 'Roo Holiday classic, a game Denver won 77-68, thanks to 23 points from Romanowski on 9-of-14 shooting.

DENVER ATHLETICS TICKETS: For all Denver Athletics ticket inquiries, call 303-871-GOAL (4625), or visit DenverPioneers.com. 

PIONEER MOVEMENT: Fans interested in making a donation to the women's basketball program can do so by clicking here. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.   
 
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