University of Massachusets Athletics
Women's Basketball Announces 2002-03 Schedule
September 26, 2002 | Women's Basketball
Sept. 26, 2002
AMHERST, Mass. - University of Massachusetts women's basketball head coach Marnie Dacko and Director of Athletics Ian McCaw announced the 2002-03 schedule today. The Minutewomen will play up to five games against teams which advanced to last year's NCAA Tournament and three schools which competed in the WNIT a year ago.
"This is a very competitive schedule and I am very excited for the challenge that these early-season games afford us," said Head Coach Marnie Dacko. "The early high-caliber non-conference games will help us to prepare for the grueling Atlantic 10 season that lies ahead."
After a home exhibition game on Nov. 8 against the Nor-easter Storm, the Minutewomen open up the regular season against Sacred Heart on Friday, Nov. 22, at the Mullins Center. Massachusetts then hits the road for three consecutive games against 2001-02 NCAA Tournament participant St. Peter's, Michigan and Toledo. On Wednesday, Dec. 4, it returns to the Mullins Center for a showdown with WNIT quarterfinalist Vermont.
After two road games against New Hampshire and A-10 foe Rhode Island, the Minutewomen come home for dates with NCAA Tournament participant Villanova and Northeastern. After the two-week final exam period, the Minutewomen travel to Gainesville, Fla., to take part in the State Farm Classic, Dec. 28-29. They open up against host institution Florida, another 2002 NCAA Tournament team, and will face either Michigan or NCAA Tournament entrant Virginia on the second day.
The new year begins with a home date against Memphis on Saturday, Jan. 4, prior to the beginning of conference play against WNIT participant Saint Joseph's on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the Mullins Center.
The Minutewomen will look for revenge against defending A-10 Tournament champion Temple, after the Owls edged them in overtime of the semifinal a year ago. The two long-time rivals will play Jan. 16 in Amherst and Feb. 23 in Philadelphia.
The first three rounds of the Atlantic 10 Championship will be March 6-8 at Rhode Island's Ryan Center. The championship game will be Monday, March 10, on the home floor of the highest remaining seed.