After 24 practices and only being able to play each other and the scout team, the ISU women’s basketball team is ready to get started. 

“It’s time,” said coach Bill Fennelly. “We need to play someone else. They’re tired of playing the scout team; they’re tired of playing against each other.”

Exhibition games are a chance to see what the team can do as a whole against an opponent other than themselves. Fennelly mentioned he would be looking to see how a number of players will handle in-game situations and whether or not those players are “practice players” or not.

“We’ve all had players that are better game players than they are practice players,” Fennelly said. “Or vice versa, they practice really well, then when the lights go on in here they can’t function, so that will be the first thing.”

With the departure of All-Big 12 and All-American honorable mention Kelsey Bolte the big question will be to see who is going to step up. These exhibition games are the perfect opportunity to find out. 

“I think just how we’ll play under pressure, how we’ll play in front of that big crowd. To see who’s able to adapt to everything in a game,” said senior guard Lauren Mansfield. 

Last year for the first exhibition game Iowa State beat Minnesota State 87-48. This year they are hoping for a similar result not just in the score box but also finding out about their team.

“They’re excited, but it’s been hard. We’ve practiced 24 times. That gets old, and they want to do something else,” Fennelly said. “There’s nothing better than the games, and there’s nothing better than the games, and there’s not much better than games here. So they’re excited about playing and they’re looking forward to the opportunity.”

The Cyclones will square off against Coe College at 7 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum Nov. 1.