AUSTIN - Midwestern State will face its first yard stick of the 2010-11 campaign as the Mustangs open the season at the St. Edward's Shootout this weekend at the SEU Recreation and Convocation Center.

MSU faces the host Hilltoppers Friday at 2:30 p.m. before facing Hillsdale (Mich.) Saturday at noon.

"We're going to see exactly where we are early in the season," MSU coach Noel Johnson said. "Both are disciplined teams that are always in contention for their conference championships. They will expose what did not get exposed against Paul Quinn."

The Hilltoppers return eight letter winners off of an injury plagued 9-20 campaign led by junior guard Brittany Ward who averaged 11 points per contest last season while sophomore Sarah Milewski enjoyed a solid frosh campaign averaging 7.5 points and 4.2 rebounds a contest.

St. Edward's also returns senior guard Haley Tidwell who led the Hilltoppers with 10.1 points a game during her last full campaign back in 2007-08.

"They play hard and have really good guard play," Johnson said. "They mix up a lot man and zone on the defensive end, so it's going to be a challenge for our guard to make a quick recognition."

Hillsdale overcame a 0-4 start to last season to post a successful 14-13 season in 2009-10. The Chargers return four players who started a substantial number of contests last season.

Junior guard Chelsea Harrison returns as the Chargers leading scorer at 16.5 points per game and heads a trio of players averaging near double figures in 2009-10.

Sophomore guard Emily Anderson tallied 10.1 points while senior forward Laura Barczak is the Chargers top returning threat on the block with 9.9 points and 5.7 rebounds a contest for ninth-year coach Claudette Charney.

"They are a very disciplined team and run a really good motion offense," Johnson said. "They are seasoned with an experienced coach so they understand her system and run it really well. If we take breaks offensively or defensively, we will be exposed."

The Mustangs return their top three scorers including senior forward Nolisha Markham (11.3 points and 5.4 rebounds a game) and junior Savannah Carver (10.1 points).

"Nolisha gives us great versatility and understanding of the she system, but she will have to stay energetic and intense," Johnson said. "We expect Savannah to show us a little more of her post game and be even more of an inside/outside threat."

The Mustangs also return juniors Cierra Thompson (8.2 points, 4.1 rebounds) and Jazman Patterson (5.5 points, 5.2 rebounds) to a deep and increasingly experienced front court.

"This is CT's third year in the system so we are looking for a lot of leadership at the 3 and 4 positions from her. Her decision making will be the difference," Johnson said. "Jaz is intense and the most verbal player we have and can provide real consistency on defense."

Johnson also has high expectations of freshman forward Skyler Warrick out of Wellington (Texas) High School.

"She plays hard and is also on the floor chasing after loose balls," she said. "I can't wait to watch her grow in post area, but she can also handle the ball. It will be an exciting year to watch her development because she has the natural ability and work ethic to become a really good player."

Junior guard Karissa Lang (1.4 points, 1.3 assists) and Katiya Jackson return to anchor the backcourt.

"Karissa gives us immediate leadership and is our little general on the floor," Johnson said. "We need to see her presence on the floor shown a little more in stats."Tiya is returning from injury and she is the defensive and rebounding person we need."

Highly touted freshman Kirsti Degelia and Rebekah Cluley will also contribute greatly this season.

"Kirsti can shoot the 3 and can finish at the goal, so to have her under Karissa this year will be a great part of our program to build the guard area," Johnson said. "'Bekah gives us great versatility on defense and had a great knowledge of the game. She's going to get a lot of steals."

Transfers Brittni Blagrave and Krizia Hardaway add to MSU's depth.