The Minnesota Gophers women’s basketball team opened the season at home with an 89-48 victory against Central Connecticut State at Williams Arena on Monday night. Annika Stewart led Minnesota with 18 points in 17 minutes off the bench. Mara Braun had 17 points to lead the starting group of Braun, Mallory Heyer, Grace Grocholski, Amaya Battle and Sophie Hart. In all, 14 players saw court time for the Gophers in the blowout. Reserve Taylor Woodson added 10 points off the bench for Minnesota. Battle had five points and a team-high seven rebounds. The Gophers scored the first 10 points of the game, led 16-2 at one point and came out of the first quarter with a 24-6 lead to cruise to victory. Minnesota shot 47.2% from the field and was 10 of 26 (38.5%) from 3-point territory. It was also 11 of 13 from the free-throw line. The Gophers held Central Connecticut State to 39.2% shooting. It was only 1 of 4 from the line. Related Articles College Sports | Gophers make clear upgrade at quarterback with Max Brosmer College Sports | Gophers’ turnaround started in Michigan locker room College Sports | Gophers football: ‘Tough’ Darius Taylor battles injuries to put up nearly 200 total yards at Illinois College Sports | Women’s hockey: Tommies reach OT but end with another loss to Ohio State College Sports | Carter Cravens throws 3 TD passes, Morehead State defeats St. Thomas 21-7