Bearkat basketball expected to do well, finish top three SLC

The Sam Houston State women’s basketball team will return to the hardwood Sunday at 3:00 p.m. in an exhibition match against the Southwestern University of Georgetown Pirates.

Returning all five of their starters and the six top scorers and rebounders, the Bearkats are picked to finish third in the Southland Conference behind McNeese and Stephen F. Austin. Seniors Britni Martin and Sequeena Thomas were both selected for the preseason All-Southland Conference Team.

"As long as we do our job, we'll have a good chance to do well in the Southland Conference this year," SHSU head women's basketball coach Brenda Nichols said. "With nine returning letter winners plus some top newcomers, we're looking forward to an exciting conference race this year."

Coming off a record-breaking season that included the first ever hosting of post-season play, the Kats have put together a tough and travel-heavy schedule.

Newark, Del. starts off the team’s travels on Friday November 9, as they participate in the preseason Women’s National Invitational Tournament. This is the first time the Bearkats have been invited to a preseason tournament.

The season includes trips to Lincoln, Neb., Mobile, Ala., and Long Beach, Calif.; not to mention the wide travels as part of their usual Southland Conference schedule.