THIBODAUX  - The Nicholls State University women's basketball team will begin its 2011-12 campaign on Saturday, Nov. 12 with a non-conference matchup against the University of Alabama. Tipoff at Foster Auditorium is scheduled for 2 p.m.

“I'm very excited to start the season. I've been waiting to play this game since March when last season ended,” said Nicholls fourth-year head coach DoBee Plaisance. “I'm sure it will be refreshing for our players to face someone besides each other.”

In Coach Plaisance's third season, the Colonels finished with an 8-21 overall record and claimed three wins in Southland play. Nicholls returns four of the top 5 scorers from last season that includes preseason second-team All-Southland sophomore KK Babin (12.9 ppg), senior Sumar Leslie (11.5 ppg), junior Alisha Allen (10.7 ppg) and sophomore LiAnn McCarthy (9.0).

Along with seven returning players, the Colonels welcome six newcomers – five freshmen and a junior college transfer. In the post, 6-1 junior Holly Martin and 6-1 freshman JonMarie Guillory give the Colonels some much needed presence in the paint. Freshmen Stacy Lee and Holly Martin add depth at the guard position, and forwards Syleida Ellis and Erin Luton round out the new faces for 2011-12.

Alabama, who finished 18-15 overall and earned a bid to the Women's National Invitational Tournament last season, features one the top players in the SEC, senior guard Erika Russell. A three-year letterwinner, Russell averaged 11.4 points in 2010-11.

“As with all the teams in the SEC, Alabama is just a great team,” said Coach Plaisance. “They're known for a high-octane style of basketball, they are exceptional in the transition and they're very effective in putting the ball on the floor. It will be a great opportunity for our players to face a highly respected team.”

The game between Nicholls and Alabama will be the first meeting between the programs. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.