Women’s Basketball Preview: The Backcourt

11.09.16 | Women's Basketball

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The Musketeers enter the season with eight guards on the roster

By: Greg Lautzenheiser, Xavier Athletic Communications

CINCINNATI - Xavier women's basketball is three days away from the start of the 2016-17 season. The Musketeers take on Tennessee State on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. in the opening game of the second annual Lauren Hill Tipoff Classic at Cintas Center. The doubleheader will be televised on the BIG EAST Digital Network.

Below are five things to know about the team's backcourt heading into Saturday's season opener.

THE BACKCOURT

• Xavier has eight guards on the roster, paced by senior Raeshaun Gaffney. The Fairfield, Ohio, native was named to the All-BIG EAST Preseason Team on Oct. 11.

• Raeshaun Gaffney led the team in scoring (11.1 ppg) and rebounding (4.8 rpg) last season. She also finished the year ranked eighth in the BIG EAST in free-throw percentage (.758).

• Xavier also returns redshirt-sophomore Kindell Fincher who missed nearly all of last season with a broken hand. The Fort Wayne, Ind., native scored in double figures seven times during her freshman campaign and is expected to be a key contributor on offense this season.

• The Musketeers return four other veteran guards in Marquia Turner, Jada Byrd, Erica Dawson and Martha Thompson. Turner is the team's returning leader in assists (53). She also hit 80.6 percent (29-for-36) of her free throws last season.

• The two newcomers to the position group are Ashley Gomez and Na'Teshia Owens. Gomez was a two-time all-state selection at Westmoore HS (Oklahoma City, Okla.) where she earned 6A Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors in 2016. Owens, a two-sport athlete, helped her team win a state title in 2012-13 while compiling a 107-22 overall record during her playing career. She also won the state title in the long jump last spring.

TICKET INFORMATION

For just $80, season tickets holders can enjoy every minute of the action – that's nearly 50% off the single-game ticket price. Courtside seats are also available for $120 and provide a feet-on-the-floor experience.

For more information about season tickets for Xavier women's basketball, fans can call the Xavier Athletics Ticket Office at 513-745-3411 ext. 7.