CHARLESTON, S.C. (Interstat) — A surging College of Charleston women’s basketball team will look to continue its strong start to the season when it hosts a struggling Hofstra squad to open Colonial Athletic Association play on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at TD Arena.

The Cougars (8-3) enter conference action with momentum, having won seven of their last eight games. Their most recent outing was a dominant 114-40 road victory over P.R.-Mayaguez on Dec. 20, where Taylor Barbot scored 15 points and dished seven assists in just 27 minutes. Barbot, a key player to watch, also dropped 20 points and eight assists in a notable 75-70 road win over Florida State on Dec. 14.

Hofstra (2-9) seeks to halt a five-game losing streak, most recently a 42-80 defeat at Kentucky on Dec. 28. The Pride have struggled offensively during the skid, failing to score more than 63 points in any of those losses. Guard Chloe Sterling has been a bright spot, leading the team with 16 points in the loss to Kentucky. Over her last three games, Sterling is averaging 11.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

The matchup pits one of the CAA’s top early-season teams against one searching for consistency. College of Charleston’s offense has been potent, surpassing 75 points in six games this season. Hofstra’s defense, which has allowed 80 or more points in four losses, will be severely tested.

This game marks the conference opener for both programs. Following this contest, College of Charleston will host Northeastern on Jan. 4, while Hofstra travels to face UNC Wilmington on the same date.

Tip-off is set for Friday night at TD Arena.