WBB: Hofstra releases non-conference schedule
Hofstra forward Shante Evans drives past Delaware guard Kelsey Buchanane. (Feb. 16, 2012) Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
It’s another year and another tough non-conference for the Hofstra women.
Much like last season, Pride coach Krista Kilburn-Steveskey is intent on preparing her squad for a post-season run. Last year Hofstra finished its season 19-11 and earned a WNIT berth.
The Pride begins its season in the WBI Tip-off in Daytona Beach. Hofstra will face Stetson and Texas on November 9 and 10, respectively. After a week off, Hofstra returns to New York where it will play at St. John’s.
That local matchup will be followed by a home game against St. Joseph’s, a road game versus Marist, back home against Harvard and road games against Princeton and Auburn (December 9).
It’s a schedule that doesn’t seem to let up as Texas, St. John’s, Marist and Princeton were all NCAA Tournament teams in 2011-2012. St. Joseph’s earned a WNIT berth last year.
Hofstra defeated St. John’s in its home opener last year and also topped Marist, 71-69, at the Mack Sports Complex. Princeton beat the Pride at the Mack, 74-69, last year.
“With the return of two-time All-American Shante Evans for her senior season, we felt it was important to challenge ourselves this season with our out-of-conference schedule,” said Kilburn-Steveskey. “We embraced putting together a slate that would test us throughout the non-conference portion of the 2012-13 schedule and I think we have done that. Our staff and student-athletes are excited about the upcoming season.”
The Pride will be home December 21 through December 23 for its own Holiday Festival. Hofstra will host Northwestern on December 21. Mississippi is the third team in the tournament. Hofstra caps its non-conference with a home contest versus Norfolk State on January 3.
Kilburn-Steveskey has good reason to think her team can succeed. In addition to Evans, the Pride returns key players Candace Bond, Andreana Thomas, Deven Green and Annie Payton.
