Hempstead, N.Y. – The Hofstra Women's Basketball team opens the 2017-18 campaign on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. against UMBC at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.
 
The game will be available via live stats and Pride Productions live video and audio. Links to game coverage can be found on this page and the Hofstra Women's Basketball schedule page.
 
Fans can purchase tickets online, by calling (516) HOF-TIXX, or by visiting the Hofstra Athletics Ticket Office in the Mack Sports Complex.
 
Hofstra returns a trio of seniors in forward Ashunae Durant and guards Olivia Askin and Aleana Leon. Durant was named to the Preseason All-CAA First Team after finishing last season averaging 16.0 points and 10.6 rebounds per game and earning second-team All-CAA honors. Leon was also named a preseason honorable mention after averaging 9.5 points per game a year ago.
 
The Pride also returns a big sophomore class that gained valuable game experience as freshmen. Adding to the team's depth will be junior transfer Sica Cuzic and freshman Mie Hoff.
 
UMBC opens its season Friday with a matchup at Fordham before making the trip to Hempstead. The Retrievers finished the 2016-17 season with a 15-16 record, making a trip to the WBI. UMBC graduated its leader in nearly every statistical category last season, Taylor McCarley, but returns Laura Castaldo, who averaged 11.3 points per game.  The Retrievers were tabbed fifth in the America East preseason poll.
 
This will be just the seventh meeting all-time between the Retrievers and the Pride, with UMBC holding a 4-2 advantage in the series, though the teams haven't met since the 1997-98 season.
 
Hofstra will have a quick turnaround, staying at home for a matchup with Stony Brook in the Battle of Long Island at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.