The vast majority of the roster for the Colorado women’s basketball team is new to the team, so an adjustment period is expected for the Buffaloes to get comfortable with each other.

On Sunday afternoon, however, the Buffs didn’t look like a team going through growing pains. They looked quite comfortable, in fact, rolling past Colorado Mines, 91-46, in an exhibition game at CU Events Center.

“It felt like home,” said forward Ayianna Johnson, a transfer from Minnesota. “Like, it just, it felt so real and like I was meant to be here. All my teammates are meant to be here, and I think we created an awesome family here.”

It was, of course, just an exhibition game and tougher tests await, but it was a solid first outing for a squad featuring 10 newcomers on a roster of 14.

“So fun to finally take the court,” CU head coach JR Payne said. “I thought we did really well. I always say at this point this season, there’s so many good things we’re doing, and there’s also equally so much to learn still, but really awesome to do it in front of fans. To have people come watch us play, to play against someone other than ourselves and I thought we did a lot of really good things, so I’m excited.”

Johnson finished with 12 points and five rebounds (all on the offensive glass), while Oklahoma State transfer Lior Garzon led the Buffs with 18 points. Nyamer Diew (from Iowa State) and Jade Masogayo (Missouri State) both had 13 points.

“It actually feels right,” said Garzon, echoing Johnson. “It feels like I’m supposed to be here, just family atmosphere. And I told coach, I was very excited and nervous before, even though I’m a fifth year (senior), but just putting this jersey on my chest, just like the name, it meant a lot to me today.”

CU’s veterans also fared well, as Kindyll Wetta finished with six points, five assists, three steals and three rebounds in 15 minutes; and Sara-Rose Smith had seven points and eight rebounds. Redshirt freshman Kennedy Sanders had seven points, four rebounds and three assists.

Senior Frida Formann, CU’s all-time leader in 3-pointers, was the only player on the roster who did not suit up. She continues to nurse a foot injury.

“We’re just very, very cautious with Frida,” Payne said. “So, if something’s bothering her, we’re not going to risk it on an exhibition game. So she’s sort of day by day, and we expect that she’ll be back for next week.”

All 13 of those who did play, however, contributed in some way, with 12 of them scoring points.

“When everyone gets an opportunity to play, that is …. a coach’s dream,” Payne said. “So great to have our young players get their first collegiate minutes. Great to have even like these (transfers) … they’re not new to college basketball, but they’re new to Colorado basketball. Great to have all of us be able to log pretty good minutes, and to have everyone score is always fun.”