After a strong finish last season, the UND women’s basketball team is ready to get back on the court.

North Dakota will open its season with an exhibition game Sunday afternoon against Bemidji State at 2 p.m. at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center.

With the loss of seniors Madi Buck, Allyssa Wall and Katie Houdek, looking to new faces and emerging leaders has been promising.

“We need to get used to playing without three big seniors (from last season,” UND coach Travis Brewster said in a UND news release. “Seeing this team out there working hard and picking up concepts, I’m excited about where we’re at.”

UND was picked to repeat as Big Sky Conference champions in both the league’s coaches and media during the preseason.

Last season, UND claimed an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament Division I tournament after defeating Montana 72-55 at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center.

Sophomore Mia Lloyd was named the Most Valuable Player in the tournament after posting 10 points and seven rebounds.

“Mia is a young player that had a dynamic end of the season,” Brewster said. “Trying to expand her range a little bit and also grasping defensive concepts a little bit better will be her focus coming into this season.”

The team also has welcomed six players this season — four true freshmen, along with sophomore transfer Cassie Thompson and junior Emily Thompson, a former volleyball player.

“Thompson came over to us from the volleyball team and she’s been a hard-worker about everything she’s doing out there,” Brewster said. “I really think she might be able to help us down the road playing multiple positions.

After Sunday’s matchup, UND will host another exhibition game on Nov. 9 before traveling to Boulder, Colo., to take on Colorado in regular season play.

Staff report