SALEM, Ore. – The last time the Corban University women's basketball team took the court, everything looked different. Wrapping up the squad's 2019-20 season just two weeks before the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) announced that spring sports would be suspended due to COVID-19, it has now been over a year since the Warriors have been able to compete.

Now, through an unconventional and challenging offseason, filled with limited practice capabilities and numerous scheduling changes, the Navy and Gold has been patiently waiting for its opportunity to return to the hardwood. This weekend, the Warriors will have the chance to do exactly that, making their long-anticipated season debut with a pair of non-conference contests against Multnomah University. Friday's season-opener against the Lions will mark 375 days since the Warriors' last contest.

"We are beyond excited for the opportunity to be on the court together," said head coach Bill Pilgeram. "This past year, this team has stayed together and committed to each other through all the ups and downs. We will cherish every game, and I am very optimistic to see what we can do in this short spring season!"

Perhaps fitting for the tumultuous past 12 months, very little about the 2020-21 season will look like what Warrior fans are accustomed to seeing. From the squad's brand-new home court, to the uniquely formatted CCC season, to the roster itself, in many ways, it's a brand new, exciting start for the program.

Following this weekend's non-conference series with the Lions, the Navy and Gold will compete in five weekends of CCC competition, beginning on March 19. Two of those weekend's will be at home inside the C.E. Jeffers Sports Center, when in-state rivals Oregon Tech and Bushnell University (formerly Northwest Christian University) come to Salem on March 26-27 and April 2-3, respectively.

CLICK HERE to view the team's full schedule for the spring.

In terms of the Warrior roster, the most obvious change is the loss of Jordan Woodvine, who graduated last season after one of the greatest careers in the program's history. Between an ensemble of experienced returners and a dynamic recruiting class, Pilgeram and company are excited about the product that will take the court this season.

For starters, the 2019-20 CCC Co-Defender of the Year Shaelie Burgess is back to patrol the paint for the Warriors. The veteran center averaged 10.2 points a game last year, and her 2.17 blocks per game ranked second in the conference. Kendra Murphy has also been a staple of the Warrior front court, averaging 7.8 points and rebounds per game last winter.

In addition, Josie Ferry brings valuable experience under the rim for Pilgeram and company.

Sharpshooter Shawnie Spink will return to the Navy and Gold backcourt, coming off a season in which she averaged 7.7 points-per-game and dished out a team-leading 107 assists.

Fellow guards Gracie McCoy and Lee Audrey Norris saw significant minutes in their debut seasons with the Warriors in 2019-20, and figure to see increased roles in the upcoming campaign.

In regards to the newcomers, NCAA Division I transfer Halle Wright headlines the talented batch of additions. Wright comes to Corban after competing at Montana State University, and possesses the type of playmaking ability that can completely change the landscape of a game.

Holly Golenor brings in an impressive pedigree from her time at the junior-college level, and will immediately slot in and make an impact for the Warriors with her ability to shoot from range and get to the cup.

Freshman Gemma LaVergne's athleticism should serve as a helpful asset to Corban's guard core, and the rookie has the potential to see significant minutes in her first collegiate campaign.

To view the squad's full roster, CLICK HERE.

As it currently stands, Corban University Athletics is prohibiting fans from attending Warrior home events hosted inside of the C.E. Jeffers Sports Center due to local guidelines related to COVID-19, though the institution is consistently reevaluating its spectator protocols.

All Corban home games will be livestreamed HERE.