July 3, 2008

DENVER, COLO. - Games against five teams that qualified for the 2007-08 NCAA Tournament and a tournament at home after Thanksgiving highlight the 2008-09 Metro State women's basketball schedule, released by head coach Linda Lappe, Thursday.

"Once again, we will have a very challenging nonconference schedule, but it will definitely prepare us for conference play and put us in a position to earn an NCAA bid in March," said Lappe.

Metro State opens the 2008-09 campaign at home against Minnesota State Moorhead, Nov. 15, before traveling to NCAA qualifier Concordia-St. Paul, Nov. 21-22, for games against the Golden Bears and Bemidji State. The Roadrunners then return home for their Thanksgiving tournament, a four-game classic that includes NCAA Tournament teams Quincy and CSU-Pueblo, as well as Lewis, Nov. 28-29.

This year's Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) schedule is 19 games and begins on the road at Adams State, Dec. 12. Metro State faces NCAA qualifiers CSU-Pueblo, Fort Lewis and Nebraska-Kearney in league play. The Roadrunners have four straight RMAC games at home from Jan. 16-23 and again from Feb. 6-14.

"Our schedule is very tough on the front and back ends with two road games to start and four games on the road to finish," said Lappe. "However, that means we play eight out of 10 at home during the middle of the season, which could really help propel us to finish strong."

Metro State finished 19-10 last season and advanced to the semifinals of the RMAC Tournament. Lappe and the Roadrunners return six players from the 2007-08 roster.

For the complete schedule, please click HERE.