JSU Women Set for Opener at Vanderbilt - Jacksonville State University Athletics

JSU Game Notes

JACKSONVILLE – Following a comfortable exhibition victory last week, the Jacksonville State women's basketball team will officially open the 2019-20 season on Tuesday night.

The Gamecocks travel to Nashville, Tenn., for the program's first-ever matchup with the Vanderbilt Commodores. A tall task to begin the year, but JSU proved in last year's 60-49 road win at Ole Miss that it won't shy away from top competition. In recent years the Gamecocks have also opened the year against "Power Five" foes Florida State and Texas Tech.

While it's the first meeting between the Gamecocks and Commodores, it won't be the first time for JSU head coach Rick Pietri. Entering his seventh season at the helm of Jax State, Pietri took VU to overtime in 2003 during his South Alabama tenure.

For Pietri, JSU returns the majority of its roster from a season ago. A dozen players total return, 10 of which saw action along with two redshirts who were able to sit and learn the system. The Gamecocks lost First Team All-OVC selection Rayven Pearson, who led JSU in rebounds and was second on the team in scoring a season ago, but return six players that scored 100-or-more in 2018-19, including team-leader Destiney Elliott with 327.

In addition to seniors Chloe Long and Brittany Webster returning at the post and junior guards Taylor Hawks and Jayla Walker, the Gamecocks also bring back a fully-healthy Kiana Johnson, who missed much of last year with injury. Sophomore Yamia Johnson, who played in all 30 games last season, returns along with JuToreyia Willis, Jessie Day and McKenna Lawrence.

Jax State added freshmen Winnue Kuimi and Nekiyah Thompson over the offseason, adding depth to both the front and backcourt. JSU struggled offensively at times last season, but looked to shake early woes putting up 104 against Berry College in exhibition action. The trademark defense doesn't appear to be impacted either, after leading the Ohio Valley Conference in scoring defense each of the past five years, JSU allowed just 37 to the Vikings in the tune-up for tomorrow night's opener.

The matchup at historic Memorial Gymnasium in set for 7 p.m. and will stream on the SEC Network+ platform through any ESPN or WatchESPN app. Live stats will also be available at JSUGamecockSports.com.

Vanderbilt's Memorial Gymnasium is partially famous for its unique venue setup. Not entirely devoted to athletics at the time of its construction in 1952, the main playing surface is built up above most of the front seating and teams reside on the baselines rather than on the side of the court.

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Players Mentioned

Jessie Day

Destiney Elliott

Taylor Hawks

Kiana Johnson

Yamia Johnson

McKenna Lawrence

Chloe Long

Rayven Pearson

Jayla Walker

Brittany Webster

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