Women's Basketball - July 17, 2004

MT Media Relations

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee women's basketball head coach Stephany Smith released the ledger of games for the 2004-05 season on Saturday.

The schedule is highlighted by an invitation to the Preseason Women's Invitation Tournament in which the Lady Raiders will host South Florida in the first round. Should Middle Tennessee advance, the team could possibly face Davidson or Duke in the second round. This is the first time in school history Middle Tennessee has played in the Preseason WNIT, however, the team has played in two Postseason WNIT tournaments.

"The opportunity to play in the Preseason WNIT is a tremendous honor," Smith said. "To be chosen to host a first round game is a testament to what the team accomplished last season."

Middle Tennessee is embarking on yet another arduous schedule this season. The Lady Raiders will face two teams, Houston and Austin Peay, who participated in the NCAA Tournament in 2004.

The Lady Raiders host some marquee non-conference opponents, as South Carolina, Cincinnati and Xavier will all visit the Murphy Center in the upcoming season. Middle Tennessee will also welcome future Sun Belt member Florida Atlantic and South Dakota State.

"I believe we have put together a strong home-game schedule," Smith Said. "I have always aspired for this program to be a top 20 team and be a consistent participant in the NCAA Tournament, and to do that you have to schedule the quality programs."

Alabama opens a five-game road swing for the Lady Raiders starting on November 22. Middle Tennessee will then participate in the Houston Tournament facing Wisconsin and host Houston. Rounding out the road swing will be Georgia State, Georgia Southern and Tennessee Tech.

"Playing Alabama on the road and then going to the Houston tournament will be a tough test for us as a team," Smith said. "Houston is a quality team that made it deep into the NCAA Tournament last season and Wisconsin had a top-five recruiting class last year."

The 14-game conference slate includes home-and-home match-ups with Florida International, Western Kentucky, Arkansas State and Arkansas-Little Rock. Louisiana-Lafayette, New Mexico State and Denver will visit the Murphy Center this season, while the Lady Raiders will take to the road for contests with New Orleans, South Alabama and North Texas.

"Making it to the championship game two years ago and winning it last year has really boosted the confidence level of this basketball team," Smith said. "I think it is a different mind-set this season, as we are returning our top three scorers and have brought in some quality newcomers. This team knows what it takes to win and I think they are proving their commitment by working hard in the off-season to be prepared for workouts in the fall."

The Lady Raiders will be hosting two yet undetermined exhibition games, which will be announced at a later date.

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