The Iowa State women’s basketball team kicks off a highly anticipated season Monday here in Ames.

They welcome St. Thomas University of Minnesota to Hilton Coliseum at 11 a.m. This is the first game of the season for both teams. 

The Tommies ended the 2024-25 season with a 17-13 record. They finished second in the Summit League with a 9-7 record in conference play. 

The 14th-ranked Cyclones come off a commanding 84-53 exhibition win over UW Oshkosh on Tuesday. Iowa State junior center Audi Crooks led the charge with 24 points and seven rebounds, followed by junior forward Addy Brown with 17 points. 

Junior transfer Jada Williams got her feet wet with seven points and eight assists. Freshman guard Reese Beaty also made her debut with nine points, five assists and three rebounds. 

Head Coach Bill Fennelly and his squad carry the momentum into Monday. They won the last two matchups against the Tommies, including an 80-47 win last season.

Crooks led the Cyclones in that game as well with 26 points and eight rebounds. Senior guard/forward Sydney Harris had 13 points and Brown had 10 in that game. 

St. Thomas was led by junior Amber Scalia in last year’s game with 11 points and five rebounds. However, she transferred to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio this year. 

The Tommies are predicted to come in with an inexperienced and youthful lineup to take on the veterans in Iowa State. Whereas the Cyclones will look to their stars, as well as their depth on the bench, to carry them through this season-opener. 

Iowa State will take to the Hilton Coliseum Court at 11 a.m. Monday against St. Thomas University. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.