Coming off its finest season, Xavier's young women's basketball team will be tested with a schedule that includes 11 games against 2001 postseason teams.

        The Musketeers will play three in-season tournaments, including one at Cintas Center, and face 11 teams that finished in the top 100 of the RPI. XU graduated four starters from its 31-3 Elite Eight team and will have no seniors.

        “We got to where we are by constantly challenging ourselves, and nothing has changed about that,” coach Melanie Balcomb said. “We were very ambitious and made this the toughest schedule we've ever had here.”

        In the XU tournament Dec.8-9, XU could face NCAA Tournament returnee Toledo. The Rockets are led by former XU coach Mark Ehlen, who held XU's record for career victories until Balcomb broke it last season. Archrival Cincinnati also will make its first trip to Cintas Center Dec.2. XU also will play in Maine's and Ohio State's tournaments.
       NCAA teams on XU's schedule include Vanderbilt, Colorado State and George Washington, with Toledo, Howard and Louisville other possibilities depending on tourney draws. WNIT teams include Mississippi State, Temple, UC, Middle Tennessee State and Wisconsin-Green Bay, with WNIT champ Ohio State also a possible foe.

        Three games (UC and both GW games) will be televised. WVXU-FM (91.7) will broadcast 12 regular-season games (schedule TBA) and all postseason games. Season tickets ($50 apiece) are available by calling 513-745-3411.

        Home games in bold, A-10 games in CAPS

        November
        Thurs. 1: Athletes in Action (exh.)
        Sat. 10: Reebok All Stars (exhibition)

        Fri. 16: at Indiana State
        Mon. 19: Akron
        Fri. 23: vs. Wisconsin-Green Bay*
        Sat. 24: vs. Maine/Bradley*
        Wed. 28: at Vanderbilt

        December
        Sun. 2: Cincinnati
        Sat. 8: St. Francis (PA)#
        Sun. 9: Toledo/Howard#
        Fri. 14: vs. Colorado St.&
        Sat. 15: vs. Ohio State/Louisville
        Sun. 23: Middle Tennessee St.
        Mon. 31: Mississippi St.

        January
        Wed. 2: at DAYTON
        Fri. 4: at DUQUESNE
        Fri. 11: FORDHAM
        Sun. 13: GEORGE WASHINGTON
        Fri. 18: LA SALLE
        Sun. 20: at RICHMOND
        Fri. 25: at ST. BONAVENTURE
        Mon. 28: DAYTON
        Thurs. 31: at RHODE ISLAND

        February
        Sat. 2: at UMASS
        Fri. 8: ST. JOSEPH'S
        Sun. 10: TEMPLE
        Fri. 15: at LA SALLE
        Sun. 17: at GEORGE WASHINGTON
        Fri. 22: DUQUESNE
        Sun. 24: RICHMOND

        March
        Fri. 1-Mon. 4: A-10 Tourn. at Temple

        * University of Maine Tournament
        # Xavier Tournament
        & Ohio State Tournament

Xavier Stories

Xavier women face tough schedule

Pirates 3, Reds 1
Larkin to take concerns to Lindner
Boone: Arms aren't tired
Pirates pitcher stops Reds cold
Reds box, runs
Opener could be big downer for Patriots, Bengals
Norwood's Edwards finds home with Pats
Highlands' Moore back with Patriots
Mitchell proves fast healer
Smith faces yet another deadline
No umbrellas allowed
UC must stay on run against Army
Another Big Ten road test for Miami
OSU promises offensive variety against Akron
UK commands Ball State's respect
Bonds on base 6 times, no HR
PREP FOOTBALL COVERAGE
Cincinnati high school results


• Return to Xavier front page...