PASCO -- Cheryl Holden had one of her best women's basketball teams ever last spring at Columbia Basin College.

The Hawks, ranked almost all season at No. 1 in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges, finished the season with a 26-3 record with a third-place trophy in the tournament at the Toyota Center.

Some of those standouts have moved on. Guard Trishi Miller, the East Region MVP, is now at Western Washington University.

Forward Jorie Freeman and guard Tina Miller -- the Kamiakin graduate who spent most of last season sidelined with a foot injury -- are both at Eastern Oregon University.

This coming season the cupboard, however, isn't bare for the Hawks -- who open play at 4 p.m. today against Umpqua at the Clark Igloo Invitational, a three-day tournament that runs through Sunday in Vancouver, Wash.

Back from last year's squad are four sophomores who started at one time or another last season as freshmen: Tiffany Idler, a 5-11 post from Columbia-Burbank; Lacey Young, a 5-9 guard from Middleton, Idaho; Ana Jimenez, a 5-6 guard from Mabton; and Andrea Bland, a 5-8 guard from Ellensburg.

Also returning are Sara Vannoy, a 5-7 guard from Kiona-Benton; and Hayley Strom, a 5-6 guard from Wapato.

The incoming group of freshmen look to be talented, including Debbie Molsbarger, a 5-6 guard from Connell who played for the CBC softball team last spring but is looking to try basketball.

KieOsha Avery-Winchester, a 5-10 forward from Connell, also should see some playing time.

Other players are Jennifer Noon, a 5-10 post from Central Point, Ore.; Claudia Olguin, a 5-10 forward from Pasco; Crysta Reynolds, a 5-10 post from Mabton; Katherine Samuels, a 5-6 guard from Lapwai, Idaho; and Alisi Uasike, a 5-7 forward from Zillah.

The Hawks will play in three preseason tournaments before East Region play begins Jan. 7 at Walla Walla.

The NWAACC tournament is set for March 3-6 in the Toyota Center.