The Women to participate for first time in front of fans
Arizona women's basketball team will get its first test of the season tonight at the annual Red and Blue Game.
The intersquad game will be the first opportunity for fans to check out a 2000-2001 UA team that features eight returning players.
Last season, the Wildcats finished 25-7 overall and were tied for second place in the Pacific 10 Conference with a 13-5 record.
Only two starters - senior guard Reshea Bristol and junior forward Elizabeth Pickney - return from last season's squad.
Pickney was the team's leading returning scorer and rebounder last season when she averaged 9.8 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game.
The game will also feature four new faces for Arizona - freshmen guards Candice Allen, Jen Chesney, Aimee Grzyb and forward Veranda James.
James, Arizona's most highly-touted recruit, is expected to push for a starting spot this season.
Chesney and junior guard Julie Brase will not participate in the game due to injuries. Brase will be out until January following surgery on her right wrist in late September and Chesney, who had surgery on her left ankle in August, won't be able to play for at least another two weeks.
Junior guard Tysell Bozeman, junior centers Michelle Mitchell and LaKeisha Taylor and sophomore guards Jamie Sturdivant and Krista Warren will also participate in the Red and Blue Game.
UA will use the game as a precursor to Saturday's contest against the "Love & Basketball" club team at McKale Center.
The Red and Blue game will tip-off at 7 p.m. at McKale Center. Admission is free.
