The Husson University women’s basketball program made history last winter by winning the first NCAA Tournament game in program history.
The Eagles will look to follow that up next winter with a challenging schedule that includes matchups with numerous in-state rivals.
Husson’s women’s and men’s programs, both of which won North Atlantic Conference titles last season, unveiled their 2017-18 schedules Tuesday.
The Husson women went 23-5 last winter while defeating DeSales 74-72 for the program’s first NCAA tourney win.
Coach Kissy Walker’s ballclub will have to replace three seniors, including Bangor native Denae Johnson and Presque Isle native Chandler Guerrette.
Husson kicks off its season Nov. 18-19 at a tournament hosted by New England Small College Athletic Conference foe Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, where the Eagles will face St. Lawrence University and then either Williams or Endicott.
The Eagles’ home slate starts Nov. 28 with a North Atlantic Conference clash against Thomas College, and December features non-league road contests at in-state foes Bates College of Lewiston and St. Joseph’s College of Standish.
Following a Jan. 3 home date with the University of Southern Maine, Husson will travel to Bowdoin College of Brunswick (Jan. 16) and Colby College of Waterville (Jan. 23) to round out its non-league schedule. The Eagles will play 18 conference contests.
The men’s squad won its fourth NAC title in five seasons last winter while posting a 21-7 record.
Like the women’s team, coach Warren Caruso’s club graduated three seniors.
Husson will be led by reigning North Atlantic Conference Player of the Year and D3Hoops.com All-America honorable mention guard Raheem Anderson, who earlier this year had been granted a medical hardship waiver to return to the team for a fifth season.
The Eagles’ slate kicks off with an exhibition contest against the Division I University of Maine on Oct. 28, while Husson’s regular season opens at St. Joseph’s on Nov. 19.
In December, Husson will play in a tournament at the Cruzin’ Classic in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while the non-conference home slate is highlighted by January matchups with Bowdoin and Colby.
Like the women, the Husson men are scheduled to play 18 NAC contests.
Caruso has led his team to five consecutive 20-win seasons.
