Arizona women’s basketball (7-0) looks to stay undefeated as they face off against Monmouth on Monday, a team they have only faced once in school history.

The last and only time the two teams played each other, Arizona won with a final score of 84-42 back in 1996. Monmouth (1-4) will undoubtedly devise its best game plan to upset Arizona with its efforts to turn things around after a rocky start to the season.

The Wildcats have not only won seven straight to start the season, but have been blowing out almost every opponent. Ranked at No. 24 in the nation, it is only a matter of time until Arizona is re-evaluated if they continue their dominant level of play.

Although the team has exceeded expectations so far, the talent on the roster is undeniable. Junior Aari McDonald is ninth in the country in scoring, averaging 21.3 points per game on 56.8% shooting. She is also averaging 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.3 steals. Sophomore Cate Reese has embraced her role as second option, averaging 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Reese has been a force on both ends of the floor so far in the early season. 

Monmouth is coming off their first win of the season, defeating Purdue Fort Wayne on Saturday. Senior Sierra Green leads the team with scoring and steals, averaging 12.4 points and 2.2 steals per game. In addition, redshirt sophomore Jen Louro leads with team with a 40.6 field goal percentage and 34.6 three-point percentage. A large reason of this is due to smart shot selection, but it will be interesting to see if Louro has finally earned the green light to take more shots or if the team will create a game plan with her having a more primary role.

It will be a fresh matchup between the two teams that have not faced off for 23 years. The game will be on Monday at 6:30 p.m. MST at the McKale Center.

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