The No. 4 Stanford women’s basketball team begins its 2006 campaign at Maples Pavilion this evening with the first of two exhibition games. Facing Chico State at 7 p.m., the Cardinal are poised to showcase their talent and potential for the upcoming season.

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Sophomore point guard Rosalyn Gold-Onwude and the Cardinal women host Division II powerhouse Chico State, coached by Stanford grad Molly Goodenbour, in tonight’s exhibition match. #gallery http://daily.stanford.edu/image/full/6473
Stanford Daily File Photo

Sophomore point guard Rosalyn Gold-Onwude and the Cardinal women host Division II powerhouse Chico State, coached by Stanford grad Molly Goodenbour, in tonight’s exhibition match.

Former Cardinal player Molly Goodenbour will return to the Farm in her first year as head coach of the Wildcats, members of the Division II California Collegiate Athletic Association. Last year, the Chico State women were the West Regional Champions, but fell in the Division II national semifinal.

Despite having lost only one starter from last season and having junior post Amber Simmons return after averaging 18.9 points per game last season, the Wildcats should not prove much competition for the Division-I, nationally ranked Cardinal.

Returning for Stanford are junior guard Candice Wiggins — who won her second-straight Pac-10 Player of the Year award last season — and senior Brooke Smith, as well as nearly all of last year’s squad. The Cardinal also add a talented freshman class including McDonald’s High School All-Americans Jayne Appel and Michelle Harrison — 2006 Gatorade State Player of the Year winners in California and Utah, respectively — as well as Oregon Gatorade honoree JJ Hones.

Head coach Tara VanDerveer begins her 21st season with Stanford as part of her recent six-year contract extension.

Following the Chico State game, the Cardinal will tip off with Love & Basketball for another exhibition this Saturday at noon in Maples.