GUNNISON, Colo. – The Western State Colorado University women's basketball team is itching to begin the 2016-17 regular season. The Mountaineers will finally begin the new campaign this Friday at the Al Kaly Shrine Classic at Colorado State University – Pueblo.
 
Western opens against Tarleton State University at 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon in Massari Arena. The Mountaineers will then face the University of Alaska at Fairbanks at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
 
While it will be the season opener for the Mountaineers on Friday, the Tarleton State Texans enter the matchup with two games under their belt. TSU lost their season opener by two points, 66-68 to Missouri S&T before falling to St. Mary's University (Texas), 53-65 the following day.
 
Alaska Fairbanks also has played two games this season. However, unlike the Texans, the Nanooks have won both of their games. Fairbanks defeated Academy of Art last Friday, 93-69 in Alaska before taking care of California State University – Los Angeles, 75-59 at home.
 
The Mountaineers did play two exhibition games this season. Western fell to Division I opponents Air Force Academy and Grand Canyon University earlier this month.
 
Fans unable to make the trip to Pueblo, Colorado can follow all the action from the Al Kaly Shrine Classic online.