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Miami begins season with five-game home stand

By Julia Rivera, For The Miami Student

The Miami University women's basketball team tips off its 2015-2016 season against Northern Kentucky University on Friday. It is the first meeting between the two teams since 2013 and the first of a five-game home stretch to start the season.

The 'Hawks are 16-8 in their previous 24 home season openers and look to keep the momentum going after their 70-53 win over West Virginia State University in an exhibition game last Friday.

Head coach Cleve Wright was happy with the offense's performance but said the defense needs some work.

"Defensively we need to be on the same page," Wright said. "We need to communicate more."

NKU is coming off a 19-14 season, finishing 8-6 in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Norse moved to the Horizon League in the offseason, becoming the conference's 10th member.

The Norse are a more experienced team, having two freshmen on the roster compared to Miami's five. The majority of their team members are returners, and three of those are starters.

Senior forward Hannah McCue is expected to be out for the season due to an injury, leaving senior forward Jessica Rupright to lead the team. Rupright was injured last season but has since recovered and is healthy.

"[Rupright] has done a good job of having a voice and being strong and being a mentor to some of our younger post players," Wright said.

The 'Hawks have little time to rest after Friday's game. Their next game is Monday, against Evansville at home. Wright said he plans to focus on improving where they need based off the game against NKU before looking towards Evansville.

"We'll do a little bit of clean on Saturday and start doing a little bit of prep with Evansville, but again focusing a lot on us," Wright said. "Then really get specific on Sunday."

Tipoff is 1:30 p.m. Friday in Millett Hall.

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