By: Sebastian Burke, Sports Information Intern
NORFOLK, Va. – Five in-state games and a competitive non-conference slate highlights the upcoming season for Head Coach
Larry Vickers and the Norfolk State women's basketball team.
"We are really excited to begin the 2019-20 season. It's shaping up to be a fun season, but nothing is going to come easy," Vickers said.
NSU opens up the season against Liberty at home on Nov. 5. The familiar slate of Virginia teams include Liberty (Nov. 5), Longwood (Dec. 5), Hampton (Dec. 7), William & Mary (Dec. 20), and Richmond (Dec. 30).
"Over the past three seasons we have renewed rivalries with Liberty, William & Mary, High Point, Longwood, and especially Hampton. All of these teams have a great chance of winning their respective conferences, so we need to bring it every game," Vickers added.
The Spartans also travel to West Virginia for two tough non-conference games, with Marshall on Nov. 9 and West Virginia on December 15. The game against WVU marks the second consecutive season the Spartans have faced an opponent from a Power 5 conference (ACC, Big Ten, Big XII, Pac-12, SEC). Last year the Spartans faced Ole Miss in the opening game of the season.
"As Spartans, we are up to the challenge and our early season slate should prepare us for what looks to be a competitive MEAC schedule," Vickers said.
The 16-game MEAC slate will begin Jan. 4 with NSU hosting Bethune-Cookman, followed by two road games at Coppin State and Howard. After the Howard game on Jan. 11, the Spartans will play the next six out of eight games at home starting with Maryland Eastern Shore (Jan. 18), South Carolina State (Jan. 25), and Florida A&M (Jan. 27).
After closing out a three-game home stand at Echols Hall with Coppin State (Feb. 17), the Spartans will head to Florida to face Florida A&M (Feb. 22) and B-CU (Feb. 24). NSU returns home for Senior Night against Howard on Feb. 29 before concluding the regular season at Delaware State (March 2) and Morgan State (March 5).
All weekend home conference games begin at 4 p.m. Weekday MEAC home contests tip at 5:30 p.m. The MEAC tournament will be held at the Norfolk Scope Arena from March 9-14.
