COOKEVILLE, Tenn. --- For the second time in as many seasons, the Tennessee Tech women's basketball team will kick off its season with an exhibition contest at Eblen Center against the Lions of Bryan College Monday evening. The opening tip is set for 7 p.m.

The Golden Eagles, who won their 16^th Ohio Valley Conference championship last season boasting a 23-8 record, are chomping at the bit to get back into action.

"Our players are really looking forward to playing against another team besides themselves," head coach Sytia Messer said.

Bryan College will be the first team put in front of the Golden Eagles this season, and Messer will not be looking past the Lions despite Tech's lopsided victory from a season ago.

"Bryan College will always come in and give us a tough game," Messer said. "It won't be a cakewalk so we can't look past them."

Ten current Golden Eagles had a chance to take the court against Bryan College last season, but it was freshman Diamond Henderson that stole the spotlight as she finished with a game-high 22 points, shooting 10-of-12 from the field. Senior Brittany Darling added 15 points and five rebounds, while sophomore Briana Jordan dished out seven assists.

The game against Bryan College will be the first step of a season that will test the Golden Eagles mettle as they begin their regular season in the Preseason WNIT Friday at East Tennessee State at 6 p.m.

"I'm really looking forward to the start of the season," Messer said. "The tough schedule that we have this year will help prepare us for postseason play."

To purchase tickets for the game contact the Ahletic Ticket Office at (931) 372-3940.

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