Four possible starters sit on the bench, having missed at least the past eight games with injuries. Two of them have missed the entire season.

With only eight healthy women available, coach Gordy Presnell has been forced to practice against his own players for the "first time in many, many years."

"It's been the most disappointing year for our expectations, we thought we were going to be something," said Presnell, whose Broncos open Mountain West Tournament play at 7 p.m. Thursday against Fresno State.

While the Broncos have lost 10-of-11 games, Presnell has presided over the growth of young talent. Sophomore guard Brandi Henton, the MW newcomer of the year, is averaging 10.4 points a game, while freshman Miquelle Askew is averaging 6.2 points and 3.7 rebounds off the bench.

"We've got pretty much a whole starting lineup on the bench, but I think a lot of us newcomers have gained a lot of good opportunities," Askew said. "I don't know if I would've been playing much."

Through it all, the Broncos' lone senior has been the rare steady force. Post Lauren Lenhardt has established career highs of 15.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game despite double- or triple-teams each night.

"I wish we could have sent her out differently," Presnell said. "I just hope we can make the ride last as long as we can."