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RICHMOND, Ky. – The EKU women's basketball team opens the 2016-17 season Friday at McBrayer Arena against Mid-American Conference member, Bowling Green State University. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
 
The Colonels have their sights on the Ohio Valley Conference championship. Last season, EKU reached the OVC tournament championship for the first time since 2005 and have every intent on returning this season with a different outcome.
 
Head coach Chrissy Roberts—now in her ninth season—has a deep and talented roster, blending experienced veterans with five new additions. Roberts reached the 100 win milestone in EKU's win over Murray State in the OVC tournament on March 4. The Colonels also became the first program in the OVC to notch 300 wins with their January 20th win over Murray State.
 
 
Backcourt
 
EKU returns a combined 64 starts from last season, including redshirt senior Alexus Cooper. Cooper blossomed into on the of the league's top threats from deep. Cooper hit on better than 35 percent from behind the arc her junior season. In addition, the Colonels return senior Michaela Hunter. Hunter averaged 12.6 points-per-game and 5.2 rebounds-per-game last season.
 
Senior Mariah Massengill's experience will likely prove beneficial for the Colonels. Massengill averaged more than 20 minutes per contest last season, providing an additional scoring threat and the ability to lead the offensive efficiency.
 
Senior transfer Shavontae Naylor is the "complete package," according to Roberts. Naylor joined the Colonels after three seasons at the University of South Florida and sat out last season due to NCAA transfer rules.
 
Senior Katie Pippen also returns for the Colonels. Coach Roberts said she expects Pippen to contribute more this season and loves what the senior brings to practice every day.
 
Junior transfer Ja'Lyn Brooks is a year removed from an ACL injury, but Roberts expects Brooks to be a contributor in her first season in Richmond. After missing her freshman season with an injury, redshirt freshman Ann Jernigan will also see minutes.
 
Roberts and company also brought in transfer Marcella Rocha who will likely provide "big" minutes for the Colonels this season. Rocha, a 5-3 point guard, can run the offense and can also score, according to Roberts.
Sophomore guard Shay Solomon returns for her sophomore season after missing all but the first two games in 2015-16 with an injury.
 
Frontcourt
 
Senior forward Jalen O'Bannon returns for the Colonels, after a breakout junior campaign. O'Bannon was named OVC Co-Preseason Player of the Year in the media poll and was named OVC Player of the Year by league head coaches and media relations directors. O'Bannon averaged 17.2 points-per-game and a conference best 9.8 rebounds-per-game last season.
 
Senior Zee Willix pulled down numerous timely rebounds for the Colonels last season. Willix appeared in 27 games as a junior and her late basket at Tennessee State helped the Colonels hand the Lady Tigers its first loss at home last year.
 
Senior Amadi Brooks returns for her final season with the Colonels, after missing nearly two years with injuries and will likely contribute pivotal minutes for EKU this season.
 
Sophomore forward Abby Wright returns for the Colonels after earning six starts a season ago. Wright averaged nearly 16 minutes-per-game last season and provided another deep ball threat for the Colonels.
 
At 6-foot-3, junior transfer Madison Wood gives EKU some length. Coach Roberts says Madison runs the floor well, has good hands and has the ability to alter shots defensively.
 
Freshman power forward Tae'Lour Richardson has "a great motor," according to Roberts. Richardson is improving every day and is expected to be a contributor this season.