UALR released its women's basketball schedule Wednesday and, as has become the norm, its another challenging slate littered with teams that reached the postseason last year.
The Trojans, who reached the WNIT last season, will play four teams that reached the NCAA Tournament last season, including three that won at least one game in the tournament.
UALR schedule
NOTE Game times have been set for the season opener against North Texas (6:30 p.m.) and the Dec. 18 game at Tulsa (2 p.m.). All other game times have not yet been determined.
DATE;OPPONENT
Nov. 11;North Texas
Nov. 16;at Oklahoma
Nov. 23;Texas A&M
Nov. 26;Saint Louis
Nov. 28;at Missouri State
Dec. 1;Oral Roberts
Dec. 4;at Memphis
Dec. 13;Mississippi State
Dec. 18;at Tulsa
Dec. 21;at LSU
Dec. 29;La.-Lafayette*
Dec. 31;La.-Monroe*
Jan. 5;at Coastal Carolina*
Jan. 7;at Appalachian State*
Jan. 14;Arkansas State*
Jan. 19;Troy*
Jan. 21;South Alabama*
Jan. 26;at La.-Monroe*
Jan. 28;at La.-Lafayette*
Feb. 2;Appalachian State*
Feb. 4;Coastal Carolina*
Feb. 9;at Texas-Arlington*
Feb. 11;at Texas State*
Feb. 18;at Arkansas State*
Feb. 23;Georgia Southern*
Feb. 25;Georgia State*
Mar. 2;at South Alabama*
Mar. 4;at Troy*
*Sun Belt game
UALR will host Texas A&M on Nov. 23 and Mississippi State on Dec. 13, and play at Oklahoma on Nov. 16 and at Missouri State on Nov. 28. The Trojans also will host Saint Louis, which ended their season in last year's WNIT in March, on Nov. 26.
"It's going to be challenging," Foley said. "But it's something that we've kind of evolved into, being able to get these teams to play us. Two SEC teams at home and Saint Louis is great for your crowds."
UALR struggled in the non-conference portion of the season last year, losing to NCAA Tournament teams Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri State and Texas A&M and entered Sun Belt play 2-7. The Trojans finished second in the league last year and reached the tournament final.
"I think it helped us realize our weaknesses, pointed out what we need to do differently," Foley said.
The Trojans could add another tough opponent if they win their season opener Nov. 11 against North Texas, which is part of the preseason WNIT. A victory would set up a second-round game against Wisconsin-Green Bay, which reached the NCAA Tournament, or Elon, which also played in the WNIT.
The Trojans also host Oral Roberts on Dec. 1 and play at Memphis on Dec. 4, at Tulsa on Dec. 18 and at LSU on Dec. 21 before their Sun Belt opener Dec. 29 against Louisiana-Lafayette.
Foley also confirmed Wednesday that three players from last year have left the team. Guard Deja McKinney has transferred to Grambling State and guard Alivia Huell has transferred to Ouachita Baptist. Forward Autumn Williams has transferred, but Foley isn't sure yet where she'll play next.
-- Troy Schulte
FOOTBALL
Report: Miami safety to transfer to ASU
A former Miami linebacker told a Florida newspaper Wednesday that he plans to transfer to Arkansas State and play safety.
Marques Gayot, who was injured and missed 10 games last year, told the Palm Beach Post that he'll join ASU's defensive backfield. Gayot, a three-star recruit according to Rivals.com in 2014, will have to sit out in 2016 per transfer rules and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Gayot told the newspaper in April that Miami would not clear him from a neck injury that ended his 2015 season in September. He played in three games as a linebacker last season, making 7 tackles, 21/2 for a loss and 11/2 sacks.
ASU returns three safeties with starting experience this season in seniors Bo Sentimore, Cody Brown and Chris Humes.
Sports on 07/07/2016