EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville women's basketball team is one day away from holding their first practice of the season on Tuesday, October 7.
 
The Purple Aces have six returning players and six new faces to the team this season.
 
Evansville brings back three seniors, guards Khristian Hart and Kat Taylor as well as forward Mallory Ladd. Hart was limited to just 14 games last season due to a knee injury. Taylor averaged 11.6 points per game last season, third best on the team. Ladd was named all-conference honorable mention with her 12.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.
 
The Purple Aces also have junior guard Laura Friday back on the floor. Friday was a key reserve in 24 games last season.
 
Additionally, Evansville has sophomores Sara Dickey and Sasha Robinson back for another year. Dickey was co-freshman of the year in the MVC averaging 17.8 points per game and 546 points total, second most in single season program history. Robinson was also a starter for Evansville with 4.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
 
The Purple Aces have four freshmen to the mix this season with Kenyia Johnson, Peyton Langston, Asia Pettite and Taloni Reese already joining an impressive roster.
 
Johnson was a three-year starter at Fleming Island High School (FL), holding her school record for points (1,206), rebounds (407), steals (274), assists (242), and blocked shots (140).
 
Langston played each of the last two seasons at Mater Dei High School (CA), was rated the 55^th best player at the forward position and received an ESPN Scouts Grade of 89.
 
Petitte joins UE from St. Joseph Central Catholic (W.Va.) where she won four state championships. She helped a programs et the state record for most three-pointers made and attempted in a  single game.
 
Reese attended South Bend Adams High School (IN) where she averaged 11.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.7 steals, and 3.8 assists per game.
 
The Purple Aces also have two transfers, junior forward Ashley Hawkins (Vincennes Univ.) and sophomore guard Aaliyah Gaines (Eastern Illinois).
 
The Aces will hold their annual Hoopfest at the Ford Center on Thursday, October 16 at 6:30 p.m. UE will have an exhibition against USI on Saturday, November 8 and their regular season opener will be vs. Austin Peay on Sunday, November 16.