The Bellarmine University women's basketball team is set to embark on a thrilling 2024-25 campaign, kicking things off with a pair of highly anticipated matchups against regional NAIA programs from the River States Conference. As the Knights make their official return to the iconic Knights Hall, fans can expect an electrifying start to the season.

Bellarmine Knights Poised for Triumphant Homecoming

Homecoming Celebration at Knights Hall

After spending the previous four seasons at the venerable Freedom Hall, the Bellarmine women's basketball team is excited to make its official return to the historic Knights Hall. Constructed in 1960, Knights Hall has been the home of the program since its inception in 1971. The move to the larger Freedom Hall was necessitated by the pandemic, as mandatory distancing measures were implemented. Now, as a full-fledged Division I member, the Knights are eager to reclaim their rightful place on the Knights Hall hardwood, where they will look to thrill their loyal fans with a season filled with triumph and excitement.

Renewed Rivalries and Familiar Foes

The Knights' season-opening slate features a pair of intriguing matchups against regional NAIA programs from the River States Conference. First, Bellarmine will host the IU Southeast Grenadiers, a team they have faced 22 times between the 1972-73 and 1991-92 seasons, with the Knights holding a commanding 20-2 advantage. The two teams last met in February 1992, with Bellarmine emerging victorious by a score of 82-50. IU Southeast will be under new leadership this season, as longtime head coach Robin Farris has announced his retirement after 35 seasons and 593 wins.The Knights will then welcome the Midway Eagles, another familiar foe from the past. Bellarmine and Midway have met on 10 previous occasions, with the Knights holding a 9-1 advantage. Their last encounter was an 82-65 Bellarmine victory in February 1983. Both the Grenadiers and the Eagles will be looking to make a statement against their Division I opponent, adding an extra layer of excitement to these regional rivalries.

Preseason Predictions and Expectations

The River States Conference has taken notice of the Grenadiers and Eagles, with IU Southeast being ranked No. 8 and Midway coming in at No. 5 in the preseason coaches' poll. While these games will count against Bellarmine's official record, they will be classified as exhibitions for the visiting teams, allowing the Knights to fine-tune their game plan and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

Bellarmine's Blend of Experience and Youth

The Bellarmine roster for the 2024-25 season presents an intriguing blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. The Knights boast a quartet of experienced returners in senior guards Hayley Harrison, Hope Sivori, and Ashlee Harris, as well as junior guard Miyah Brown. These players bring a wealth of college court time to the table, collectively amassing hundreds of games of experience.Complementing the veteran core are several high-profile transfers, including senior guard Mia Beam, senior forward Skylar Treadwell, and junior guard Erin Toller. These battle-tested additions will provide an immediate impact and further bolster the Knights' depth and talent.On the other hand, Bellarmine has also welcomed five true freshmen to the fold, including center Hana Abdel Aal, forwards Kayce Hyman, Rachel Shropshire, and Mina Milosevic, as well as guard/forward Anna Rodgers. These young talents will have the opportunity to learn from the experienced players and contribute to the team's success in their own unique ways.

Preseason Tune-Up and Promising Performances

In preparation for the highly anticipated season opener, the Bellarmine Knights have already taken the court for a pair of home exhibition games. In these contests, the team has showcased its potential, defeating Centre 87-60 and Spalding 97-46.The common thread in both exhibitions was the Knights' ability to pull away from their opponents after ramping up their defensive intensity and capitalizing on turnovers. Senior guard Hope Sivori led the way in scoring, pouring in 15 and 25 points, respectively. Junior guard Erin Toller also made her presence felt, registering 12 and 20 points, with a particularly impressive outing against Spalding.Additionally, junior guard Miyah Brown recorded a double-double against Centre, while senior forward Skylar Treadwell achieved the same feat against Spalding. Senior guard Ashlee Harris also contributed 16 points in the final exhibition game, further demonstrating the depth and versatility of the Bellarmine roster.These preseason performances have undoubtedly instilled confidence in the Knights, as they prepare to take the court for the highly anticipated season opener against IU Southeast and Midway. Fans can expect an electrifying start to the 2024-25 campaign, as the Bellarmine women's basketball team looks to make a statement and build momentum towards a successful season.