September 9, 2002

2002-03 Schedule

2002-03 Women's Basketball Schedule

 

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Home contests against in-state rivals Virginia, James Madison and Radford as well as another tough BIG EAST Conference slate highlight the 2002-03 women's basketball schedule. The Hokies return five letterwinners from last year's 21-11 squad which advanced to the Women's National Invitation Tournament semifinals.

The 2001-02 schedule was one of the toughest in school history and this season's lineup will be just as difficult featuring some of the top teams in the nation. The non-conference slate will be similar to last year including home dates against arch-rival Virginia along with James Madison and Radford. The Hokies will once again host the Lady Luck Classic featuring Duquesne, Loyola (Md.) and Tennessee-Martin.

The non-conference away schedule sends the Hokies to Liberty (six-straight NCAA Tournament appearances), Old Dominion (NCAA "Sweet 16") and Maryland. Tech will travel to Miami, Fla. to participant in the Florida International Thanksgiving Classic hosted by the Golden Panthers who advanced to the NCAA Second Round last season. Southeastern Conference power LSU (NCAA Second Round) and Washington State round out the tournament field.

"The non-conference schedule prepares us for the BIG EAST season and gives us some national exposure," said Virginia Tech head coach Bonnie Henrickson. "These games will give our young players a chance to get some playing time against quality opponents that are similar to what they will face in the BIG EAST."

The BIG EAST Conference schedule will once again present the Hokies with the challenge of facing some of the top teams in the nation. Defending national champion Connecticut, 2001 national champion Notre Dame along with nationally-ranked programs including Boston College and Villanova comprise just a part of the demanding 16-game conference schedule. Tech's away opponents include Boston College, Connecticut, Miami, Rutgers, Seton Hall, St. John's, West Virginia and Villanova. Tech will host Georgetown, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Providence, Rutgers, Syracuse, Villanova and West Virginia in Cassell Coliseum where the Hokies are 61-14 (.813) under Henrickson.

"The BIG EAST is a great league that continues to get better from top to bottom," Henrickson said. "Everyone in the league continues to improve and there is not a night when you can just show up and walk off with a victory. The balance and overall strength of the league continues to get better which enhances the conference's reputation around the nation."

Tech will play an exhibition game on Nov. 12 before officially opening the season at home on Nov. 22 against UNC Greensboro.