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The Cincinnati Bearcats women’s basketball team will kick off its 2018-2019 campaign on Saturday at 12 p.m., playing host to the Division II California (Pennsylvania) Vulcans in an exhibition contest.
This game will not only be the debut for Cincinnati’s new head coach, Michelle Clark-Heard, who transformed Western Kentucky into a mid-major power in recent years. Saturday’s exhibition tilt will also be the Bearcats’ home debut at the newly renovated Fifth Third Arena, which has received more than $87 million in upgrades in the past 20 months.
It will be interesting to see how this Bearcats team responds to the significant roster losses it faces from last season. Most notable among the Bearcats’ losses are its co-captains and standouts: guard Ana Owens and forward Shanice Johnson.
The 2018-2019 Bearcats are a young team but have plenty of talent and depth. Look for sharpshooting junior guard Nikira Goings, offensive-minded forward Angel Rizor, and physical sophomore forward Ilmar’i Thomas to lead the way.
This will be a fantastic sports Saturday for Bearcats fans. It will start with the women’s basketball debut at Fifth Third Arena and conclude with a home football contest against Navy.
Put out a BOLO for full coverage of the Cincinnati women’s basketball team this season right here at Down the Drive. We will have complete coverage of the exhibition contest well in advance of the 3:30 football kickoff on Saturday.