Oct. 30, 2016
San Jose, Calif. - The San José State women's basketball team makes its 2016-17 debut on Walt McPherson Court in an exhibition game against the Sonoma State Seawolves on Tuesday, November 1 at 5:00 p.m. in The Event Center.
Fourth-year head coach Jamie Craighead leads a program that includes six returning letter winners, a major college transfers and five freshmen.
The Spartans feature 2015-16 Mountain West Newcomer of the Year and first team All-Conference point guard Dezz Ramos. Ramos returns in 2016-17 as the league's leading scorer, averaging 17.2 points per game in 18 conference games last year, and is a member of the 2016-17 Mountain West Preseason All-Conference Team that was announced last week.
Also garnering preseason conference honors is forward Hallie Gennett, who after sitting out last season per NCAA transfer rules will hit the court this year. Gennett averaged 12.1 points per game in two seasons at Sacramento State, twice set the single-season three-point record at that institution and received the 2016-17 Mountain West Preseason Newcomer of the Year honor.
In 2015-16, San José State led the Mountain West with 7.5 three-pointer per game and ranked second with 69.9 points per game. The program posted its first winning conference record and highest finish, 11-7 and fourth place, respectively, in the three years it has competed in the Mountain West.
With its balanced up-tempo offensive attack complimented by pressure defense, the squad was selected to finish in fifth place in preseason voting among 11 head coaches and media members representing each of the institutions in the Mountain West.
Following the matchup with Sonoma State, the regular season kicks off with games at New Mexico State (11/11) and Arizona State (11/13). SJSU's home opener is October 18 at 7:00 p.m. in The Event Center against the University of the Pacific.