September 10, 2008

VCU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RELEASES SCHEDULE  
Rams will open conference play at Old Dominion

RICHMOND, Va.—Fresh off its best season in program history, the Virginia Commonwealth University women’s basketball team has announced its 2008-09 schedule. Included in the Rams’ non-conference slate is a berth in the Preseason Women’s National Invitation Tournament. VCU opens the tournament against in-state rival Liberty in Lynchburg. The 16-team tournament, which also includes national powers North Carolina, Oklahoma and Arizona State, guarantees at least three games for its participants.

The Rams’ home slate includes non-conference match-ups with East Carolina, Georgetown, Morgan State, Longwood and American, all teams the Rams beat last season. VCU will also host first-time foe North Carolina Central on Dec. 21. Rounding out the Rams’ non-conference schedule are road games at Albany, Richmond and Radford.

VCU will commence the conference schedule on Jan. 4 with a trip to Norfolk for a rematch of the CAA Championship against Old Dominion. The Monarchs come to Richmond on Feb. 1. Other home conference games include contests against George Mason, William & Mary, Delaware, Hofstra, UNC Wilmington, James Madison, Georgia State and Northeastern. The Rams will travel to take on James Madison, UNC Wilmington, William & Mary, Delaware, Towson, Hofstra, Drexel and Georgia State in conference play.

A year ago, the Rams went 26-8 and advanced to the CAA title game for the first time in school history. Under the direction of head coach Beth Cunningham, the Rams qualified for the postseason for the second time in school history, advancing to the second round of the WNIT. VCU established school records for wins, conference wins and winning percentage.