By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - Following an 18-9 record in the 2017-18 season and a second place finish in the conference, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team now looks ahead to the 2018-19 season with the release of their season's schedule.
"Every season, we take great pride in putting together a non-conference schedule that readies us for the challenging WIAC schedule and that also prepares us to make it to postseason play," said Head Coach Tonja Englund. "Next year's schedule will again pair us against great competition on the road and in Zorn Arena."
According to D3Hoops.com, the Blugolds played the eleventh strongest schedule in the nation (out of 445 Division III teams) last season. Following that, Eau Claire is set to face tough competition once again, as the 2018-19 schedule includes three teams that played in the 2018 NCAA Tournament - UW-Whitewater, UW-Superior, and Wartburg College - in addition to the always-difficult WIAC slate.
Englund added, "We look forward to again playing great national competition on our holiday trip to Nashville and the opportunity to play national power Wartburg College, who advanced to the Final Four last season."
Though it does not contribute to the official record, another exciting piece on the fixture list for next year is an exhibition with Division I squad, UW-Green Bay to kick off the season on October 30. UW-Green Bay finished 29-4 last year and advanced to the 2018 Division I NCAA Tournament.
"We are especially excited to play UW-Green Bay in an exhibition pre-season game that will be thrilling for our players, families, and fans from the east side of the state to see the Blugold team in action," said Englund.
Also, as in years past, the Eau Claire women will host a pair of doubleheaders alongside the men's team.
Englund concluded by saying, "We look forward to two important doubleheaders in Zorn Arena that allows our fans to support both the Blugolds women's and men's basketball teams."
The Blugolds are set to return four starters next year, including leading scorer and two-time All-WIAC forward Anna Graaskamp (So.-Eau Claire, WI/Memorial) and All-WIAC Defensive Team and Honorable Mention All-WIAC guard Kelsey Bakken (So.-Marshall, WI). They are sure to lead the way for this UW-Eau Claire team in the 2018-19 campaign ahead.
Follow the action all season long on Blugold Game Day.
