ST. PAUL, Minn. – The #10 Concordia University women's basketball team opens up the regular season this weekend at the Radisson Hotel Roseville Classic at the Gangelhoff Center. The Golden Bears take on Pittsburg State at 7 p.m. on Friday and Fort Hays State at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
 
The season opener marks just the second meeting between Concordia and Pitt State as the Golden Bears knocked off the Gorillas in the Disney CCA Tip-Off Classic last season by a score of 68-62. Concordia built a large lead late in the first half and didn't trail again as CU improved to 2-0 on the young season. Ameshia Kearney and Amanda Barton led the way with 14 points and Kionda Nicks chipped in 11 for the Golden Bears.
 
The Gorillas went on to have a solid season as they finished with a record of 23-8 while going 16-3 in MIAA action. They earned a spot in the NCAA Central Region Tournament and lost to Wayne State 83-77 in the opening round.
 
Saturday's game with Fort Hays State marks the first ever meeting between the two schools.
 
The Tigers finished off the 2013-14 season with a 21-8 record and a 12-7 record in the MIAA. Fort Hays State reached the MIAA Tournament semifinals before Central Missouri slipped past them 71-69 to end their season.
 
Concordia had their final tune-up for the regular season last Sunday in an exhibition game at the University of Nebraska. The Golden Bears were able to take some good things from the experience as the squad stuck with the 16^th-ranked team in Division I for long stretches. Mishayla Jones had a strong debut as the starting point guard as she collected a team-high 11 points to go along with six rebounds. Amanda Barton was also productive in her return as she was the only other Golden Bear in double figures with 10 points, three rebounds and two steals in 18 minutes of action.
 
Fort Hays State and Bemidji State will precede Concordia's game on Friday with a 5 p.m. start while Bemidji State and Pitt State will play on Saturday at 3 p.m.