By Holly Weber, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn.—The Tennessee Tech women's basketball team has officially announced its 2016-17 non-conference slate Thursday. This year's lineup is highlighted by 13 contests before the Golden Eagles begin Ohio Valley conference matchups.
"Our staff is excited about our schedule, and I believe it will have us well prepared heading into OVC play in late December," head coach Kim Rosamond remarked. "Six of our 13 non-conference opponents reached postseason play last year, so we will definitely be challenged early."
"November 11 is a date we have had circled on our calendar for some time now," Rosamond continued. "It will be special to tip off the season in front of our fans at home at the Hoop against a very good Wright State team that won 24 games last season. "
The Tech team will kick off its 2016-17 season with a four-game home stand featuring opponents of Wright State, Tennessee Wesleyan, UNC Greensboro, and Middle Tennessee State University in November.
"The MTSU game will also be one that both fanbases can get really excited to watch," Rosamond said. "The rivalry dates back to when MTSU was in the OVC, and both programs have an extremely strong tradition in women's basketball; not just in Tennessee, but also nationally."
The Golden Eagles then take to the road for four games between Nov. 23-Dec. 2. Here, Tech will travel to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Ohio to face Radford, UNC Asheville, Winthrop, and Cincinnati.
Tech will then round out its pre-conference schedule with two more games at home (Northern Kentucky and East Tennessee State) and three more on the road (IUPUI, Vanderbilt, Lipscomb).
"You always want to test your team in a tough road environment before conference play, and I don't know that there is one much tougher than at Vanderbilt," Rosamond stated. "Memorial Gym is as difficult to play as anywhere in the country, but I also believe our players will be excited to challenge an SEC team on their home court."
The Golden Eagles return nine players to the roster, while welcoming two true freshmen to this year's team.
"This team is hungry, and I love that about them," Rosamond continued. "They have not been satisfied with the results of the last few seasons, and they understand to get something they haven't had, they have to do things in practice and games they haven't done. This group of young women have bought in to the process and each other, and we are excited to begin this journey together."
