COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College women's basketball team opens the 2019-20 season on Friday against Palm Beach Atlantic in Boca Raton, Fla., in the SIAC/SSC Challenge Tournament.

The Lady Tigers are coming off a 20-7 2018-19 season, where they went undefeated in conference play during the regular season. Benedict was unstoppable at home as they went 9-1 in HRC Arena last season.

"We want to perform at a level to be considered one of the top teams in the SIAC, South Region, and nation," said head coach James Rice. "The young ladies have been working extremely hard during the preseason with strength and conditioning."

Notable players retuning for the Lady Tigers include: Ay'Anna Bey and Camryn Bostick. Bey, last year's SIAC Most Valuable Player, averaged 23.7 points per game, 12.5 rebounds, and shot an incredible 62 percent from the field. "I've worked extremely hard to get where I am now and I expect big things from us this season," said Bey.

Bostick averaged 10.8 points and 5.2 rebounds in 18.7 minutes of action per night. Bostick was limited to six games last season due to injury. Bostick hit double figures in four of the six games, with a 16-point, 11-rebound performance against Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Sophomore guard Jasmine Gholson returns after a strong freshman season that saw her average 7.9 points per game and was second on the team with 43 3-pointers. Other top returners include Octavia Hawkins, Mahogany Randall and Essence Barnes-Jordan. The Lady Tigers have seven newcomers to the roster.

Benedict will take on Lynn on Saturday in the second game of the SIAC/SSC Challenge. The home opener is Tuesday against Newberry College at 5:30 p.m.