University of Minnesota Athletics
Golden Gophers Name 2010-11 Team Captains
10/1/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Head coach Pam Borton has announced that three players -- seniors China Antoine and Kristen Dockery, and junior Kiara Buford -- have earned roles as team captains for the Golden Gophers during the upcoming 2010-11 season.
"These three players are a solid group of captains. They each lead in their own unique ways, and I'm looking forward to their positive influence both on and off the court this season," Borton said. "China, Doc and Kiara were not just named captains, they earned the position. They have all worked extremely hard since last spring to achieve this honor and we expect they will continue to grow in these roles throughout the season."
Antoine and Buford are both returning starters for the Gophers. Antoine played in 27 games and made 10 starts as a junior before suffering a knee injury during Big Ten play. She had averaged 14.3 points over a six-game stretch of games she started prior to the injury.
Buford started all 30 games and earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors after leading the team with 13.1 ppg. Buford, who also averaged 4.3 rebounds per game, was the Gophers' leading scorer in 15 games, finishing with more than 20 points on six occasions. She scored a season-high 24 points versus both Colorado and Iowa State.
Dockery joins Antoine as one of just two seniors on this year's roster. She has struggled with injuries during her career, but has shown tremendous leadership skills. She played in eight games for the Gophers during 2009-10.
Minnesota opens practice on Monday, Oct. 4, in preparation for its season-opening Best Buy Classic. The Gophers will face Northern Illinois on Nov. 13 at 1:00 p.m. (CT), and will play either UW Green Bay or George Washington on Nov. 14. Minnesota also will play a pair of exhibition games, facing Southwest Minnesota State on Nov. 3 at 7:00 p.m., and UM Crookston on Nov. 7 at 2:00 p.m.
For ticket information, call 612.624.8080 or 1.800.U.GOPHER, or visit the Golden Gopher Ticket Office website at www.mygophersports.com.
