TOWSON, Md. – Monday started a new week and a new season for the Towson University women's basketball team. The Tigers stepped onto the court of SECU Arena at 10 a.m. for the first practice of 2019-20.
 
To begin practice, the team circled up and head coach Diane Richardson asked everyone to share their thoughts for the coming year. Whether it be words of advice or encouragement, student-athletes and support staff alike smiled as the excitement set in to start the upcoming season.
 
"Practice really went well," Richardson said. "It was not only challenging but it was fun. You could tell that our girls love each other and are looking forward to this year, so it was a blessing just watching them interacting together but still push each other. We know we've got a tough road ahead of us, but we're going to do it together."
 
Following a record-setting season in 2018-19, Towson starts the slate in 36 days after playing its last game on March 22 at UConn in the NCAA Tournament.
 
Returning in the Black and Gold are starters Ryan Holder, Kionna Jeter, Nukiya Mayo and Q. Murray. The scoring tandem of Kionna Jeter and Nukiya Mayo was the highest in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) last season, averaging 31.18 points per game together. The next highest scoring duo was Shrita Parker and Gigi Smith of UNCW, averaging 24.14 points per game.

The Tigers also have some new faces that will be suiting up in Myasia Jones, Maggie Sharp, Wiebke Schwartau, Myka Johnson-Matthews, LaKaitlin Wright, Khyra Williams and Bianca Glover.

In 2018-19, Towson set a single season mark for most points scored with 2217, and recorded the most single-season points allowed with 2218. With a schedule including three Big Ten teams, Iowa included, the challenge presents itself to finish nonconference strong and return to the CAA Championship stage.

"We are definitely working on our defense," Richardson said. "I think with our depth this year our defense is going to be really prominent. We've got speed and legnth so we will definitely capitalize on our defense this year and work that into our practices every day."

The Tigers open the season on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. against Penn State. The game will be part of a doubleheader as the Towson men's basketball team plays at 7 p.m. against George Washington.