By , reporter at Arch City Sports 

The St. Louis Surge women’s professional basketball franchise is ready to show its passionate fan base its highly-energized play on its own hard court this weekend.

The defending champions of the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League (WBCBL) launches its local campaign by hosting the Nebraska Strikers Saturday night at UMSL’s Mark Twain Building (1 University Boulevard, St. Louis, MO.) Tip off for the “Home Town Opener” is set for 7:05 pm.

The Surge (3-1) seeks its third straight after topping the Illinois Shooting Stars, 84-81, last weekend. The three-point nail biter moved St. Louis into a second place tie within the WBCBL Mid-West Divisional standings.

team photo 2015 1Leah Cotton and Rebecca Harris scored 18 and 13 points, respectively, while Brittany Carter added 10. St. Louis’ deep roster also includes veteran Jaleesa Butler and 6-4 newcomer Cassie Rochel.

Bianca Beck, Sam Price, Brianna Puni, Yelena Rosado, Gabriella Green, Raven Berry and Devonna Smith are also projected to get high minutes Saturday night.

The Surge contends with the current WBCBL Mid-West leader, a team that St. Louis defeated earlier this season.

Nebraska (4-1) jumped to the top of the hierarchy with a 70-60 victory over Missouri Arch Angles this past weekend. Its lone loss this campaign is a 98-80 season-opening setback to the Surge. Forwards Karyn Bixler, Mia Gilreath and Rashea Bristol lead the offense for the Strikers.

surge600x400Tickets for the Surge’s Saturday home opener are $8 for adults, $5 for students (with a high school/college ID) and free for children five and under. Local youth basketball teams that attend wearing their team’s uniform also get in free.