Belmont’s women’s basketball team released one of their toughest schedules in the past four years Tuesday night, and it’s safe to say they won’t be catching any breaks this season.
Head coach Bart Brooks did not pull any punches when choosing non-conference opponents. The Bruins will host both Chattanooga and University of Central Florida at the Curb Event Center to kick off their season. Belmont defeated the Chattanooga last season 67-51, and UCF finished second behind University of Connecticut last season and received an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament.
Belmont’s schedule doesn’t get much easier from there, as they will face Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green on Nov. 13. The Bruins will also head to South Eastern Conference powerhouse Arkansas on Nov. 20.
The Bruins will also participate in the Daytona Beach Invitational where they will play Virginia Tech University on Nov. 29 and then University of Maryland on Nov. 30.
December won’t be light for Belmont either, as they will head to Toledo to play the University of Toledo on Dec. 3. Toledo beat the Bruins last season at home 78-69.
Belmont will then finish their non-conference schedule with games against Lipscomb University, Middle Tennessee State University and Big East Conference giant Marquette University. The Bruins beat the Bisons comfortably 83-43 and MTSU 45-38. Marquette is coming off an unbelievable season holding a record of 15-3 as well as winning their opening NCAA Tournament game.
The Bruins OVC schedule kicks off with two home games, first against SIU Edwardsville Jan. 2 and then Eastern Illinois University Jan. 4.
Belmont will face rival Tennessee Tech University twice this season after losing to the Golden Eagles last season 77-72. The Bruins first play Tech Jan. 30 in Cookeville and then at the Curb on Feb. 27.
The Bruins will also face Murray State twice this season, first on Jan. 23 and then at the Curb on Feb. 6. The Racers haven’t been able to defeat Belmont for the past four seasons.
There is a huge hole felt without the presence of Jenny Roy and Darby Maggard, but seniors Ellie Harmeyer, Maddie Wright, Maura Muensterman and sophomore Jamilyn Kinney have the experience and skills to lead the Bruins to yet another championship season.
This article written by Steven Boero. Photo by Colby Crosby.