(Radio Iowa) – The Northern Iowa women’s basketball team looks to continue its winning ways this season. The Panthers return their top five scorers from last year’s team that finished 18-11. The Panthers are picked to finis third in the Missouri Valley preseason poll.

That’s UNI coach Tanya Warren who says the veterans will combine with an outstanding recruiting class.

UNI Panthers women’s basketball team (Via unipanthers.com)

Warren hopes to release a non-conference schedule next week and she is trying to put together a demanding one.

The Panthers continue to succeed with local talent. Thirteen of the 15 players on the roster are from Iowa.

UNI Women’s basketball opens the 2020-21 Missouri Valley Conference play on New Year’s Eve at Illinois State before traveling to Bradley on Jan. 2nd.