The Fort Hays State women's basketball team opens the 2017-18 regular season this weekend with a pair of contests against NSIC opponents in Fayette, Iowa. The Tigers will take on host Upper Iowa to kick off the season on Friday (Nov. 10) at 8 p.m. before matching up with Southwest Minnesota State Saturday (Nov. 11) at 2:30 p.m.
 
Tony Hobson's squad is coming off its sixth-consecutive 20-win season, the longest such streak in program history. In comparison, the Tigers reached 20 wins just eight times over their first 42 years of existence. Despite featuring just one senior on this year's roster, the Tigers are still an experienced bunch, returning nine letterwinners from a year ago. For an in-depth preview of the season, click the window below.
 
The Tigers are 2-0 all-time against both UIU and SMSU, opening the season against these same two opponents each of the last two years. The Peacocks return three starters from a year ago, including first team All-NSIC performer Blair Klostermann. Meanwhile, the Mustangs bring back their top four scorers from 2016-17, one of which is NSIC All-Freshman team member Caleigh Rodning (13.7 points, 7.8 rebounds/game).
 
Fort Hays State will return to Gross Memorial Coliseum for its home opener next weekend when it hosts Colorado-Colorado Springs and Newman Nov. 17-18.