Five non-conference home games and a match-up with Illinois at the United Center in Chicago are highlights of a 2003-04 Illinois State University womens basketball schedule that new head coach Robin Pingeton says will be challenging.
Having five home games and a chance to play a quality Big Ten opponent like Illinois in Chicago are pluses, Pingeton said. Well take the opportunity to improve ourselves and as a team to get us ready to challenge in the conference season.
After Sunday exhibition games Nov. 9 against Truman State and Nov. 16 vs. Odyssey, the Redbirds play their first two regular-season games at home--Nov. 26 vs. Air Force and Nov. 30 vs. Western Michigan. After a Dec. 2 trip to Ball State, the Birds and Illini meet Dec. 6 at the United Center in Chicago.
The 2003 Holiday Season also will be Redbird basketball season as the Birds finish their non-conference slate with a home game against Portland Dec. 30, then start the 2004 Valley schedule with home games against Northern Iowa (Jan. 2) and Bradley (Jan. 4).
Pingeton will welcome 12 returning players and two newcomers to her first team. The former Iowa State associate head coach is primarily focused on establishing the kind of team style and individual perspective she expects from her players and team.
We want to play an up-tempo style with pressure defense, Pingeton said. Players and fans will enjoy our style. Right now, were working on creating the right mentality among the players to play that style. Its exciting.
The Redbird Ticket Office is taking 2003-04 womens basketball season ticket orders now. A Family Pass (2 adults, 2 youths high school age or younger) is $60 for the season. Individual season tickets are just $30. Illinois State students are admitted with their Redbird Card.
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2003-04 Schedule
Day Date Opponent Time
Sun. Nov. 9 Truman State (exh.) 2:05 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 16 Odyssey (exh.) 1:05 p.m.
Wed. Nov. 26 Air Force 7:05 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 30 Western Michigan 2:05 p.m.
Tues. Dec. 2 at Ball State tba
Sat. Dec. 6 vs. Illinois at United Center tba
Sun. Dec. 14 Illinois-Chicago 2:05 p.m.
Tues. Dec. 16 at IUPUI 6:05 p.m.
Thurs. Dec. 18 Portland State 7:05 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 21 at Butler 1:05 p.m.
Tues. Dec. 30 Portland 7:05 p.m.
Fri. Jan. 2 Northern Iowa tba
Sun. Jan. 4 Bradley tba
Sat. Jan. 10 at Creighton 3 p.m.
Mon. Jan. 12 at Drake 7 p.m.
Fri. Jan. 16 Evansville tba
Sun. Jan. 18 Southern Illinois tba
Sat. Jan. 24 Indiana State tba
Thurs. Jan. 29 at Wichita State tba
Sat. Jan. 31 at SMS tba
Fri. Feb. 6 Creighton tba
Sun. Feb. 8 Drake tba
Thurs. Feb. 12 at Evansville tba
Sat. Feb. 14 at Southern Illinois tba
Sun. Feb. 22 at Indiana State 1:05 p.m.
Thurs. Feb. 26 SMS tba
Sun. Feb. 29 Wichita State tba
Thurs. March 4 at Bradley tba
Sat. March 6 at Northern Iowa tba
State Farm-Missouri Valley Tourney at Springfield, Mo.
Thurs. March 11 Quarterfinals tba
Fri. March 12 Semifinals tba
Sat. March 13 Championship tba
all times Central
home games in red/bold
Missouri Valley Conference games
