The Gophers women's basketball team will open its season on Nov. 9 at Northern Iowa after two exhibition games at Williams Arena, the school announced Tuesday. The U will play North Carolina-Charlotte, Kansas, Miami and, in the Subway Classic before Christmas, UCLA and Auburn in nonconference play at home.

"We scheduled quality BCS opponents again early in the season, because to be the best you have to play the best competition," Gophers coach Pam Borton said.

The Big Ten opener will be against Michigan State on Jan. 4, also at Williams Arena. The Gophers will play 12 teams that competed in the NCAA tournament.

Two tied for MGA Senior lead

Leif Carlson and David Kokesh both shot 2-under par 70 on Tuesday for a share of the lead after the opening round of the Minnesota Golf Association Senior Championship at Bearpath Golf and Country Club. Carlson plays out of Valleywood Golf Course, Kokesh out of Bent Creek Golf Course.

David Mooty of Minikahda Club was the third player to break par. He shot a 1-under par 71 and was alone in third place.

Last year's champion, Mark Knutson of Hazeltine, will begin his second round three shots behind the leaders as he and three others are tied for sixth at 1 over.

"I've played Bearpath a number of times and I've never seen it so firm, so it was fun to play it that way," Knutson said. "I hit my irons good. I couldn't make anything — I missed a ton of putts on the front nine for birdie. I hit a lot of greens but I drove the ball terrible today, hopefully I can fix that tomorrow."

Etc.

• Leigh Klasse of Keller Golf Course shot rounds of 69 and 72 for a 141 total to win the Minnesota Senior Women's State Amateur Championship by nine strokes at Pokegama Golf Course in Grand Rapids. Brenda Williams of Windsong Farm was second.

• Brian Burgamy's three-run homer in the first inning led the St. Paul Saints to a 11-4 road victory over the Winnipeg Goldeyes. The Saints had lost six games in a row. But Tuesday the visitors had 12 hits. Every starter had at least one hit.

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