Women's Basketball Announces 2004-05 Schedule
08/23/2004 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Aug. 23, 2004
By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com
Click Here to view 2004-05 Schedule
CARBONDALE, Ill. - In order for first-year head coach Dana Eikenberg and her staff to restore the pride and tradition of the Southern Illinois University women's basketball program, the Salukis have to start earning respect. This season, SIU will have plenty of chances to do so, as it faces a solid 27-game schedule. SIU makes its 2004-05 debut at the University of Iowa Tournament on Friday-Saturday, Nov. 19-20. The Salukis tip off the four-team event against the host Hawkeyes, before taking on either Missouri or Northern Illinois (12-16). While in Iowa City, it's possible SIU could play two NCAA Tournament participants, as Big Ten foe Iowa (16-13) and Big 12 member Missouri (17-13) each suffered first-round losses a year ago. A start like this presents a hefty challenge for Eikenberg and her squad right off the bat. "Anytime you have nine non-conference games - three of those being at home - the potential of opening a season against two teams who have been NCAA participants is a major mountain to climb. Especially for a team who's struggling to find an identity right now," Eikenberg said. "However, we take that in stride and feel like this serves as our measuring stick for determining where we are as a team and where my staff and I want to take this program." Following the Iowa Tournament, SIU travels to Wisconsin (10-17) on Nov. 22. Guided by former Drake head coach Lisa Stone, the Badgers finished ninth in the Big Ten a year ago. They play 10 NCAA Tournament teams as part of a loaded schedule in 2004-05. Although three straight road games this early on can be a tough test, the Salukis are used to it after having played at least six of their nine non-league matchups away from home in each of the last four years. Eikenberg believes playing on the road defines character. "I think there are some favorable road games which could give us a lot of momentum heading into the conference season. We'll learn a lot about each other on the road and through some of the tests we'll have to endure early on." SIU returns to Carbondale to square off against Tennessee Tech in its home-opener on Nov. 28. That contest begins a three-game homestand which covers a little more than a week. The Salukis also host Southeast Missouri State (Dec. 1) and Saint Louis (Dec. 7). SIU played all three opponents in 2003-04, and Eikenberg thinks these games are big from a regional standpoint. "Being able to play teams like Saint Louis, SEMO and Tennessee Tech are valuable to SIU regaining respect in the region," she said. "I'm a firm believer you have to start claiming your region before you can start spreading your wings, so these games are pivotal for us." Four days after their game against the Billikens, the Dawgs take to the road for the rest of their non-conference slate. SIU travels to Southern Mississippi (Dec. 11), Bethune-Cookman (Dec. 18) and Stetson (Dec. 21) before starting MVC play. The Golden Eagles also return to SIU's schedule from a year ago, while the Rattlers and Hatters meet the Salukis for the first time. As Valley teams gear up for the conference race, it's obvious everyone wants to win the league. A more reachable goal for the Salukis, however, would be to get to the MVC Tournament, something that hasn't been done since 1998-99. "I think making the MVC Tournament is attainable," Eikenberg said. "There's a lot of work and small steps toward reaching that goal. We have to make our own things happen and may have to rely on other teams to do some things." "The MVC is rock solid," continued Eikenberg. "After watching some of our games from last year, there are things we can help. We are not ready to challenge for a MVC title, but I'd like to get us in a position where we're battling for an opportunity to represent SIU at the conference tournament in March." The parity in the MVC is consistently good and it always seems as though any team can beat another on any given night. With that in mind, SIU will look to knock off Creighton (24-9, 15-3), who finished second in the league before going on to win the WNIT last season. The Salukis and Bluejays open conference play on Dec. 31 in Carbondale. Drake (16-14, 11-7) will then visit SIU Arena on Jan. 2. The Bulldogs took third in the Valley under Amy Stephens, one of three first-year head coaches in the conference a year ago. A week later, the Salukis hit the road for the Wichita State (10-18, 7-11) and Southwest Missouri State (28-4, 16-2) swing. SIU plays the Shockers on Jan. 6, before taking on 2003-04 MVC regular-season and tournament champion SMS on Jan. 8. SIU rounds out the first half of league play with home games against Northern Iowa (Jan. 14), Bradley (Jan. 16) and Evansville (Jan. 22), and away contests at Indiana State (Jan. 27) and Illinois State (Jan. 29). The Panthers (12-17, 7-11), Braves (9-19, 7-11) and Purple Aces (11-16, 6-12) each finished in the bottom half of the league last season. Meanwhile, the Sycamores (16-12, 10-18) placed fourth and the Redbirds (16-13, 9-9) came in fifth under Robin Pingeton who was named the 2003-04 MVC Coach of the Year. ILS was invited to this year's Preseason WNIT for the first time since 1996. Like the first part of its conference schedule, SIU's second half of league play starts at home. The Salukis host WSU on Feb. 3 and SMS on Feb. 5. Next, SIU makes treks to UNI (Feb. 10), BU (Feb. 12) and UE (Feb. 19), before playing its final two home games against INS (Feb. 25) and ILS (Feb. 27). The Salukis conclude their season at Creighton (Mar. 3) and Drake (Mar. 5) in early March. Eikenberg, who served as an assistant coach at Indiana State from 1995-97, feels good to be back in the MVC. "I'm excited to be coaching in the Valley again," said Eikenberg. "I look at myself as one of the young guns in the league and we have a lot of work ahead of us." SIU finished at 3-24 overall and 2-16 in the MVC last season.