Women's Basketball Releases 2008-09 Schedule
September 09, 2008 | Women's Basketball
MUNCIE, Ind. ? The Ball State University women's basketball program has released its 2008-09 schedule.
For just the second time in program history, Ball State's women's basketball team will open the season at the Preseason Women's National Invitation Tournament. Under first-year head coach Kelly Packard, the Cardinals face Indiana Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. The tournament has 16 teams which are guaranteed at least three games. The eight first round winners will advance to the quarterfinals, while the eight teams which lose in the first- round will play in two separate four-team consolation brackets. All games will be played on the home court of one of the participating teams.
After the Preseason WNIT, the Cardinals will travel to Illinois State Tuesday, Nov. 25, for a 7 p.m. tipoff. Then Ball State will return to Worthen Arena for its home opener against Evansville Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m.
The Cardinals head back on the road Dec. 7, to play Louisville. Ball State will host Wright State (Dec. 10) and Indiana State (Dec. 13) before traveling to Western Kentucky Dec. 20.
Ball State hosts Temple Dec. 22, before rounding out non-conference play with trips to the Alabama Tournament (Dec. 29-30) and St. Louis (Jan. 4). The Cardinals last nonconference game will be at home against North Dakota in the middle of league play Jan. 27.
"Our non-conference schedule is highlighted by our program's invitation to the prestigious Preseason WNIT," said Packard. "Our first round game at Indiana will be of immediate impact and focus due to the nature of the tournament format and the possibility to advance on the championship side of the bracket. The Preseason WNIT uniquely provides valuable tournament experience in November which will hopefully prepare us for the Mid-American Conference and provide confidence and maturity to our newcomers."
Ball State will take on Eastern Michigan at home Wednesday, Jan. 7, for its MAC opener, and the Cardinals will close league play on the road at Toledo Saturday, March 7.
For a complete copy of the release and schedule please click on available PDF.