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The University of Regina's women's basketball team opens its Canada West schedule at home this weekend as the Cougars host UBC on Friday night (6:15) and Victoria on Saturday night (5:00) at the Centre for Kinesiology, Health & Sport.

The Cougars lost four starters from last year's squad that won a conference title and advanced to the CIS Championship title game on its home court, but wins in seven of nine non-conference games this season along with being slotted No. 3 in the Canada West preseason poll hint that the Cougars should end up among the conference's elite once again.

The new look starts with the team's lone returning starter in third-year guard Kehlsie Crone, while the team's top scorer so far this season has been University of Alberta transfer Nicole Clarke. Sidney Dobner, who redshirted last year following a season at Cal State San Marcos, has also fit nicely into the team's backcourt and leads the team in assists.

"We're a very different team from previous years with new and returning players stepping into new roles," Cougars head coach Dave Taylor said. "But just as in past years, it'll be our goal to make the Canada West final and medal at nationals."

Forward Megan Chamberlin, who along with Clarke will be the lone fifth-year players on the team's roster, will be among the players who Taylor will count on to play an increased role this season. Fourth-year post Jennilea Coppola will start at post with Brittany Read graduated, while third-year players Madi Docherty and Alyssia Kajati and second-year players Charlotte Kot and Katie Polischuk will also see heavy minutes in the rotation.

The U of R's opponent on Friday, UBC finished with a 17-5 record last season and was ranked No. 5 in the Canada West preseason poll. The Thunderbirds are led by fourth-year guard Kris Young, who was named the conference's most valuable player last season after leading UBC in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.

Victoria, which will start out its season on Friday night at Brandon, was 16-6 last year in conference play before bowing out to the Cougars in the Canada West quarterfinals. The Vikes will be challenged to replace the scoring provided by Debbie Yeboah and Chelsea McMullen, but will look to point guard Cassandra Goodis and forward Jessica Renfrew to lead a young squad. Victoria was picked No. 6 in the conference preseason poll.

Both games this weekend will be webcast at canadawest.tv.