Women's Basketball releases 2009-10 schedule
09/21/2009 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Sept. 21, 2009
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Entering her first season at the helm of the Saluki woman's basketball program, head coach Missy Tiber will guide Southern Illinois against a challenging 2009-10 schedule.
The schedule features 10 non-conference games, including a trip to California for the Colliers International Classic Dec. 5-6.
Southern Illinois will open the regular season against Saint Louis on the road Friday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m.
The Salukis will open the season in SIU Arena Nov. 18 against Vanderbilt at 7:05 p.m. The Commodores were ranked No. 8 at the end of last season. The team will also host Western Michigan (Nov. 25) and Murray State (Dec. 19) in non-league play.
Other non-conference road games include MAC member Northern Illinois (Nov. 22), Tennessee Tech (Dec. 12), Arkansas State (Dec. 22) and Green Bay (Dec. 28)
"Our schedule gives us a great mix of competition," Tiber said. "The season home opener against Vanderbilt will be a great challenge for our young team, but one that we are looking forward to. Our schedule also provides us regional flare with games against Saint Louis, Northern Illinois, Murray State, Arkansas State and Tennessee Tech."
At the Colliers International Classic, SIU will face Texas A&M (Dec. 5), and play either California or Colorado State (Dec. 6). The Aggies and the Golden Bears were ranked No. 8 and No. 10 respectively at the end of last season.
"We are extremely excited about our trip to California which will provide our kids with an unbelievable experience," Tiber added.
The Salukis will open Missouri Valley Conference competition at home against Evansville on Jan. 2.
Following the conference regular season, all 10 teams will take part in the MVC Tournament, which will be held at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo. (March 11-14) for the second-straight year.
"We are extremely excited to begin the season and look forward to getting better each night we step on the court," Tiber said.