NORMAL - The Illinois State women's basketball team channels the abundant energy of preseason practices toward an opponent for the first time this season today.

The Redbirds open a two-game exhibition schedule with a 7:05 p.m. matchup with Division II Kentucky Wesleyan at Redbird Arena.

"We're excited. It's crazy it's already here," ISU senior Maggie Krick said Monday. "We've brought a lot of energy (to practice), more so than in any of my years in the past. This group comes every single day excited to be here."

The Redbirds return four starters in Krick, Ashleen Bracey, Nicolle Lewis and Shala Jackson from a 27-8 team that bowed out in the WNIT semifinals last March.

"We're ready to go. It's been a long time," said Bracey. "You can always improve, but everyone comes in ready to work every day. It's been a pretty cool thing to be around."

Head coach Robin Pingeton has been similarly pleased with her team's preparations.

"I really like our energy in practice, and we've had strong leadership," Pingeton said. "We're competing at a really high level, which is great to see so early."

Junior Amanda Clifton joins the Redbird starting lineup, taking over the point guard position from graduated three-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year Kristi Cirone.

"I feel like Amanda has really improved in a lot of different areas," said Pingeton. "She's feeling more and more confident with each passing day. She is anxious to take on that role as our starting point guard."

Freshman Alexis Jenkins also will see time at point guard. Although freshmen may still play in an exhibition and redshirt, Pingeton expects all of her freshmen to see action this season.

"At this point," said the ISU coach, "we do not anticipate any redshirts."

Based in Owensboro, Ky., Kentucky Wesleyan returns four starters and eight letterwinners from a 10-17 squad.

The Panthers are led by 5-foot-11 senior Candace Garrett (9.8 points last season), 5-5 senior Jennifer Coronelli (9.0), 5-9 senior Danielle Roe (8.9) and 6-1 junior Amanda Harnist (8.4). Harnist is the top returning rebounder at 6.0.

ISU also meets Truman State in an exhibition on Nov. 10 before opening the regular season Nov. 14 against UCLA in the Hawkeye Challenge in Iowa City, Iowa.

Exhibition opener

Kentucky Wesleyan at ISU

Today, 7:05 p.m.

WJBC-AM (1230)