The defending Big West Conference champion UC Santa Barbara women’s basketball team has a very challenging schedule in front of it for the upcoming 2012-13 season that features at least nine teams that played in the postseason a year ago.
UCSB faces one of the Big West’s toughest non-conference schedules as the Gauchos face seven out-of-conference teams who played in the 2012 postseason. Santa Barbara fans will be able to see some of the Gauchos’ toughest opponents inside the Thunderdome this season as USC (Nov. 27), Kentucky (Dec. 21) and Kansas State (Dec. 29) will come to UCSB.
Also included in the tremendous home schedule is New Mexico State (Nov. 14) and St. Mary’s (Dec. 1) as well as the challenge the Gauchos face of trying to repeat as conference champions when Big West play begins on Jan. 3.
Nicole Nesbit is one of several returners from UCSB’s team that won the Big West Conference Tournament last season.
“This schedule will challenge our team to play its best every night,” UCSB head coach Carlene Mitchell said. “Our home games will give our fans a chance to appreciate some great basketball and give our team the opportunity to play against different styles from BCS-conference schools. With a year under our belts and a year for the players to learn our system, the expectations are for us to play the best to prepare for our conference schedule and, hopefully, the postseason.”
The Gauchos will also face the challenge of the Big West, which features two teams ? Cal Poly and UC Davis ? that played in the postseason as well as Long Beach State, whom the Gauchos knocked off in last year’s Big West Tournament title game. Added to the exciting conference schedule this season is new Big West member Hawai’i, who returns to the Thunderdome on Feb. 21.
Adding to the excitement of the schedule is the Puerto Vallarta Tournament of Hope which takes place in Mexico from Nov. 20-22. The Gauchos open the tourney against Oregon State.
After its historic run to an unprecedented 14th Big West Tournament title, the women’s basketball team is primed to continue the success it found under first-year coach Carlene Mitchell.
The Gauchos return Big West Tournament MVP Kirsten Tilleman and an excellent supporting cast of Sweets Underwood, Nicole Nesbit, Melissa Zornig, Destini Mason and Angelei Aguirre from last year’s NCAA squad.
For those interested in season tickets, an “early bird” special represents strong savings. The Gauchos are also introducing a season ticket option for the new “Legends” section aptly named for the Legends of the ‘Dome who are honored with banners celebrating them.
With the early bird special, women’s season tickets start as low as $79. There are also tickets available in both the Gold and Blue sections by calling 805-893-UCSB (8272) or online. Click here for women’s ticket information and pricing.
Act fast, as prices go up on Sept. 7.
