MANKATO, Minn. ---  The Minnesota State women's basketball team is set to open regular season play at the Central Region Challenge in Kansas City, Mo., against Washburn on Friday at 6:45 p.m.  The Mavericks will then wrap up the weekend against Pittsburg State on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 6:45 p.m. 

In Season Openers: Since 2012-13, Minnesota State is 3-2 in season openers. Last season, the Mavericks topped Missouri Western, 89-64, at Taylor Center to open the season. The last time Minnesota State started the season on the road was during the 2015-16 season at Missouri Southern. The Lions edged the Mavericks, 70-58. 

Preseason Outlook: The Mavericks were picked to finish seventh in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll after receiving a total of 132 total points. Additionally, Minnesota State was slotted fourth in the south division tied with Concordia -St. Paul with 29 total points. 

Minnesota State History: The 2017-18 season marks the 52nd season in Minnesota State women's basketball program history, dating back to 1966. During that span the Mavericks totaled an all-time record of 704-597 (.541).

Walking the Sidelines: Head Coach Emilee Thiesse is entering her sixth season at the helm. She has amassed a 94-51 (.648) overall record, including two NCAA Tournament appearances in the 2012-13 and 2014-15 seasons. In NSIC games, she owns a 72-38 (.654) career record.

Returning Mavericks: Minnesota State returns 10 players this season, including four seniors: guard Logan Anderson,  forward Mackenzie Dahl, guard Claire Jordan, and forward Claire Ziegler. 

Fresh Faces: Minnesota State will have five new faces for the 2017-18 campaign with the addition of five freshman: Kirstin Klitzke (Montrose, Minn,), Maddy Olson (Rosemount, Minn.), Tayla Stuttley (Onalaska, Wis.), Emmaline Polson (Plainview, Minn.), and Brooke Tonsfeldt (Moorhead, Minn.). 

Stat Pack: As a team last season, Minnesota State totaled 73.4 points per game in comparison to its opponents' 68.2. Additionally, the Mavericks snatched 43.5 rebounds per contest and passed out 14.04 assists per game.

Scouting Washburn: Washburn is located in Topeka, Kan., and finished the 2016-17 season with a 17-12 overall record and 10-9 conference. The Ichabods are members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). Washburn is led by head coach Ron McHenry who is beginning his 18th season. 

As a team last season, the Ichabods netted 67.4 points per game in comparison to its opponents' 62.2. Washburn also snatched 38.3 rebounds and handed out 12.3 assists per contest. 

This year will mark the second all-time meeting between these two programs. In their first meeting in 1996, the Mavericks fell to the Ichabods, 63-46. 

Scouting Pittsburg State: Pittsburg State is located in Pittsburg, Kan., and completed the 2016-17 season with a 25-6 (16-3 MIAA) record. The Gorillas advanced to the NCAA Regionals last season before dropping a 65-57 decision to Emporia State. Pittsburg State is receiving votes in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) preseason poll. The Gorillas are led by 11th year head coach Lane Lord. 

As a team last season, the Gorillas posted 74.7 points per game in comparison to its opponents' 58.9. Additionally, Pittsburg State tallied 38.1 rebounds and 14.5 assists per game. 

This season will be the first all-time meeting between these two teams.  

Looking Ahead: Minnesota State will make its home debut hosting Black Hills State on Nov. 14. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.