So much for easing into the season.
The Old Dominion Lady Monarchs will open their 2009-10 campaign with a bang, playing 2009 NCAA tournament semifinalist Stanford on Nov. 13 at the Ted Constant Center.
ODU follows that with a who's who of women's basketball programs, including Maryland, Tennessee and last season's national runner-up, Louisville. Seven of ODU's 10 non-conference foes participated in post-season play last season.
"I'm just grateful that Old Dominion women's basketball can attract that type of a national schedule and we can not only get them on the road, but get them at home," coach Wendy Larry said. "We're really fortunate that we have so many good relationships."
The Lady Monarchs finished 17-13 last season and failed to win the Colonial Athletic Association tournament for the first time since joining the league in 1992. ODU lost three starters to graduation, but returns second-team All- CAA forward Jessica Canady, guard Jasmine Parker as well as reserves Shadasia Green and Mairi Buchan.
In addition, Tia Lewis, a transfer from Central Florida who was the 2008 Conference USA Freshman of the Year, will become eligible after sitting out as a transfer last season.
Coming off a down year by her own lofty standards, Larry might have scheduled a more forgiving slate. That's not her philosophy, she said.
"We're going to play you," she said. "We're going to play you when we're down, and when we're up.
"In order to be the best, you've got to play the best. You've got to know what you have to do to compete at that level."
ODU will serve as host of first- and second-round NCAA tournament games at the Constant Center on March 21 and 23. The CAA regular-season schedule will be released at a later date.
Ed Miller, (757) 446-2372 ed.miller@pilotonline.com
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