The Brown squad, though fewer in numbers than expected, has returning talent and experience that could fill in the openings.

Columbia

Coach: Jay Butler, sixth season (32-98)

Last Season: 9-18 (6-8 Ivy, 5th)

Key Additions: Susan Kern, G, 5-11, Fr.; Lauren Grifka, G, 5-6, Fr.; Edytte Key, F, 6-4, Fr.; Nicole Lesko, F, 5-10, Fr.; Susan Altman, G, 5-9, Fr.; Kristina Fell, F, 6-3, Fr.; Erin Jaschik, F, 6-1, Fr.

Key Losses: Shawnee Pickney, F, 6-0 (15.7 ppg, 7.6 rpg); Brie Cokos, G, 5-10 (9.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg)

Starting Five: Nicole Lesko, F, 5-10, Fr.; Megan Bramlette, F, 6-1, Sr. (5.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg); Katie Day, F, 6-1, Jr. (7.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg); Patricia Kern, G, 5-11, Jr. (8.9 ppg, 3.0 apg); Megan O’Neill, G, 5-10, Jr. (6.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg)

At a glance: Without top scorers Pickney and Cokos, the Lions will depend on junior Patricia Kern, who led the team in assists last year. Coach Jay Butler will lead the Lions in a new game plan that relies heavily on the point guard, so Kern will be a player to watch for. O’Neill will also be called on to fill the gap left by Pickney, especially on defense and on the boards. O’Neill tied her career-high with 19 point against Army on Nov. 20, including a basket that sent the game into overtime with six seconds to go. Columbia also returns its two most accurate shooters. Lone senior Bramlette will contribute her team-best 77.8 free-throw percentage and Day led the team with a 44.4 field-goal percentage last year.