Defending class 4-A state runner-up Pella opens its 2016 season tonight with sights set on another deep run.

The Lady Dutch will travel to Mount Pleasant, and the early season question is one of basketball rust.

With the volleyball team making it all the way to the state championship game, the entire Lady Dutch basketball team has only been practicing since last Wednesday.

That’s only four practices for Coach Jarrod Garland’s squad to get the chemistry flowing again.

“In some ways it’s a little concerning that we’ve only had four practices before our first game. But at the same time, knowing the girls and the experience they bring, you can relax a little bit too. It’s for sure nice to get them in the gym and have a few practices together.”

The varsity game between the Lady Dutch and the Panthers is scheduled to start at 7:30 tonight at Mount Pleasant.