Virginia Union University's women's basketball team, the defending CIAA Champions, will tip off the 2018-19 season by hosting the VUU Graduate Richmond Tip-Off Classic on November 9 and 10 in Richmond, Va.
VUU will open the Classic by facing Cheyney University at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 9, and will then face Edinboro University at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 10.
Three of the eight NCAA Tournament teams from last season will be featured in the tournament. Virginia State University will face Edinboro at 7:30 p.m. on November 9 while the Lady Trojans will face Cheyney at 2:00 p.m. on November 10.
The Lady Panthers will also make a trek to Florida when they play in the Nova Southeastern Thanksgiving Classic on November 23 and 24.
VUU opens the 2018-19 CIAA season when it travels to Orangeburg, S.C., to face CIAA newcomer Claflin University.
"I am extremely excited about the upcoming 2018-2019 season and truly believe we have both the depth and experience to compete for another CIAA title," said VUU Head Women's Coach AnnMarie Gilbert. "We return nine players from last year’s 28-3 squad and welcome the addition of eight talented newcomers. We play an exciting schedule which includes a three-game trip to Florida and overall will have us battle-tested and ready for post-season play."