Elon Women’s Basketball Releases 2016-17 Non-Conference Schedule

ELON, N.C. – Along with the previously released Colonial Athletic Association schedule, the Elon women’s basketball team has released its 2016-17 non-conference slate. The non-conference schedule features five home games, three games against Atlantic Coast Conference opponents and the team’s first appearance in the Preseason WNIT.

FULL SCHEDULE

After an exhibition against Wingate on Saturday, Oct. 29, the Phoenix makes its previously announced trip to Green Bay, Wis., to open the season in the WNIT against the Green Bay Phoenix on Friday, Nov. 11. Elon could potentially play at another WNIT opponent on Sunday, Nov. 13, depending on the outcome of the game against the Phoenix.

The maroon and gold play its home opener on Monday, Nov. 14, hosting Rutgers for the first meeting in program history as part of an Elon basketball doubleheader. The game will also mark the first time the Phoenix hosts a Big 10 opponent in Alumni Gym.

Elon will play two more games of the Preseason WNIT from Friday, Nov. 18 – Saturday, Nov. 19, with opponents and location to be determined after the opening weekend of the tournament.

The Phoenix returns home to host Bucknell on Tuesday, Nov. 22, before the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest visit Alumni Gym for the first time since 1979 on Saturday, Nov. 26. Elon owns a 14-2 all-time mark against WFU with the last meeting coming on Feb. 12, 1980.

Elon continues with a stretch of three straight games against ACC opponents when it plays North Carolina for the second time in three years on Sunday, Dec. 4, in Chapel Hill, N.C. The game marks the first time Elon head coach Charlotte Smith returns to her alma mater where she was also an assistant coach for nine years before becoming the Elon head coach in 2011. The Tar Heels hold the advantage in the all-time series, 8-2.

On Thursday, Dec. 8, the maroon and gold travels to Durham, N.C., to take on Duke in Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Phoenix and the Blue Devils last met on Nov. 21, 2003, but Elon holds a 4-3 record in the series.

Elon continues on the road at East Tennessee State on Saturday, Dec. 17, in Johnson City, Tenn. The Phoenix and the Bucs have met seven times previously with the maroon and gold winning four of those games. Last year, Elon claimed a 50-38 win in Alumni Gym.

The Phoenix plays its final games before the holiday break in the GSU Holiday Classic at Georgia State on Tuesday, Dec. 21 – Wednesday, Dec. 22, in Atlanta. The maroon and gold will face the Zips of Akron on Dec. 21. A day later, the Phoenix will play in either the consolation or championship game on Dec. 22.

After the break, Elon returns to Alumni Gym for the first time in over a month to host King on Thursday, Dec. 28, before beginning CAA play on Monday, Jan. 2.

Season tickets for the 2016-17 season are on sale now, and are the only way to guarantee a seat in Alumni Gym this season. To purchase season tickets, call the Elon Athletics Ticket Office at 336-278-6750.