HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's basketball team will suit up Monday evening for its 2024-25 season opener against Millsaps at 5:30 p.m. in the University Center.
 
The game between Southeastern (0-0) and Millsaps (0-0) will be televised on ESPN+. Listen to the game on radio provided by KSLU 90.9 FM. Live stats can be accessed on the women's basketball schedule page at www.LionSports.net.
 
Southeastern, picked second in the Southland Conference Preseason Poll, has 10 players returning to the hardwood after closing out the 2023-24 season 19-12 overall and 14-4 in conference play. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Jalencia Pierre averaged 8.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 2.9 apg last season. Pierre, among the top contributors from the previous season, alongside senior Taylor Bell (9.8 ppg) and Cheyanne Daniels (8.6 ppg) are also returning for the Lady Lions after solid performances last season.
 
Senior guard Alexius Horne is another familiar face returning to the green and gold after sitting out due to injury last season. Horne closed out the 2022-23 season as the second leading scorer averaging 12.0 points per game and 3.1 rebounds for SLU to earn SLC First Team All-Conference. The veteran adds to Southeastern's experience and guard-play this season.
 
The Lady Lions have also added multiple new faces to compile their star-studded roster and strength in numbers. Nicholls transfer Lexi Alexander adds versatility in the paint for Southeastern after leading the Colonels in scoring and rebounding last season averaging 13.8 points per game and 7.5 rebounds.  McNeese/Austin Peay transfer Kaili Chamberlin also contributes to SLU's depth in the guard position alongside freshman Tyreona Sibley.
 
Three players for Southeastern secured spots on the SLC Preseason All-Conference Team as the Lady Lions look to continue to progress the success of the program. Alexander claimed SLC Preseason All-Conference (First Team), while Pierre and Bell earned SLC Preseason All-Conference (Second Team) honors.
 
Millsaps is returning from a successful season after claiming the Southern Athletic Association regular-season and postseason title. The Majors finished the 2023-24 season 24-5 overall and 12-2 in league play to earn first place in the SAA Preseason Poll. Millsaps is returning senior guard Haley Franklin who led the Majors in scoring with 18.8 points per game and 5.5 rebounds. Franklin is not the only weapon for Millsaps as Elyse Warren (11.1 ppg) led the Majors on the boards averaging 10.8 rebounds per game last season. Sophomore guard Garin Freeman also contributed 10.4 points per game and 3.4 rebounds for Millsaps to close out last season.
 
In the previous match up against the Majors last season, Southeastern gained a 61-30 victory at home. Daniels recorded her first double-double of the season for SLU with a season high 22 points and 10 rebounds to aid in the win. Franklin contributed 12 points and seven rebounds for Millsaps in its first road test of last season.
 
Monday's game will honor sophomores Tyreona Sibley and Jaslynn Walter as the Spotlight Players of the Game. The first 150 fans will receive trading cards featuring the players courtesy of PRIDE. Fans are encouraged to come out and support Lion Slam as we celebrate the start of a new season.
 
Following Monday's matchup, Southeastern will travel to Lincoln, Nebraska to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers Friday afternoon at 1 p.m.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Women's Basketball, follow @LionUpWBB on Twitter, like /SoutheasternWBB on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube channel.

CLEAR BAG POLICY
Southeastern Athletics has instituted a clear bag policy for all ticketed events, effective with the start of football season. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/clear.