WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BEGINS RIO GRANDE CLASSIC

RIO GRANDE, Ohio - Women's Basketball (1-1) is set for two weekend matchups at the Rio Grande Classic, beginning with Union (KY) on Saturday at 4 p.m., before a Sunday 1 p.m. contest against UC Merced (1-0). Following a loss at #5 Marian, the Warriors will look to enter next week with two wins under their belt.

WARRIORS VS. UNION (KY) - SATURDAY, NOV. 4 - 4 P.M.

Kicking off the classic for the Warriors will be a contest against the Union Wildcats. The Wildcats will be looking to show improvement after a 4-24 season last year. Despite what the record may indicate, the Wildcats have talent on their roster that the Warriors will need to account for.

The Wildcats return senior center McKenzie Himes, who earned Second Team All-AAC honors after averaging 13.8 points a game on the highest field goal efficiency in the AAC. Himes was among the NAIA leaders in efficiency statistics and also has a presence on the glass, averaging 4.5 rebounds last year.

Rochester will have the size to match, but paint defense will be essential for the Warriors to ensure a win in their first game of the classic.

WARRIORS VS. UC MERCED - SUNDAY, NOV. 5 - 1 P.M.

Rochester will end the road trip when the team takes on UC Merced on Sunday. UC Merced has gotten to a 1-0 start after defeating Wilberforce on the road 69-58. The Bobcats had a middling season last year, going 11-15, with all those wins coming in conference play.

The Bobcats bring back California Pacific Conference Newcomer of the Year Paloma Ramirez, who averaged 11.6 points a game and 5.0 rebounds a game in her inaugural season. Ramirez is a solid three point shooter who isn't afraid to get into the paint and secure key rebounds.

Rochester will need to keep her in check to secure a win on the final day of the classic.

Hussein Murray - RU Athletic Communications