Monmouth looks to get back on track at the Christmas City Classic, where it will face Hartford on Saturday and either Lehigh or Norfolk State on Sunday. The Hawks began the 2016-17 campaign with their first opening day win since 2010-11 at Robert Morris, besting the Colonials 69-56. Three days later, Monmouth was defeated by former NEC rival St. Francis Brooklyn by a score of 87-78. Freshman Rosa Graham followed up her 14-point performance at Robert Morris with a 19-point outburst at St. Francis Brooklyn. Senior Tyese Purvis continued her strong start to the season in Monmouth's home opener on Saturday, dropping 17 points against ACC opponent Clemson. The Hawks were outlasted by the Tigers, 60-47, despite outscoring Clemson in the second, third, and fourth quarters. The team looks to even their record in the first-ever meeting with the Hartford Hawks on Saturday.  

Through the first five games of the season, senior Deanna Mayza is averaging 17.4 points per game and 5.4 assists per game. Two other Hawks are averaging double figures in Lindsey Abed (10.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and Sierra DaCosta (11.0 ppg). Hartford jumped out to a 1-0 start to the year after besting Boston College 65-56 at home. After suffering a 70-63 setback versus Florida Gulf Coast, the Hawks won their next two games at Central Connecticut State and at fellow MAAC opponent Siena. Hartford returned home on Tuesday night, falling to Providence 77-65 as Deanna Mayza registered 18 points in 37 minutes. 

Saturday will mark the first-ever meeting between Monmouth and Hartford. MU holds a 11-9 all-time record against current America East opponents, with the last game coming on December 21, 2013 against Stony Brook. Monmouth lost that contest 69-52 despite an 18-point performance from Chevannah Paalvast.