The team has 31 regular-season games scheduled, 20 of which are conference games. Photo by Darcy Leber.
ADDISON DUKUS | STAFF REPORTER | adukus@butler.edu
The women’s basketball team takes on a multitude of tough opponents in the 2025-26 season. Head coach Austin Parkinson enters his fourth season with Butler and will attempt to improve on the team’s 16-18 overall record from last year.
5. Butler vs Xavier — Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.
One of the most anticipated games of the season for the Bulldogs is their rivalry matchup against Xavier. The Musketeers return six players from last year, including sophomore guard Meri Kanerva, who led the team in scoring and assists. Xavier went 1-17 in the Big East last season, with its only win coming off its home turf against the Dawgs. In comparison, the Bulldogs went 5-13 in conference play. This game will be the first time Butler and Xavier compete during the 2025-26 season, and the winner will have bragging rights until their next contest in Cincinnati on Feb. 1, 2026.
4. Butler at Marquette — Dec. 7 at 4 p.m.
Last season, Butler and Marquette met twice during conference play, each coming away with a win. With close margins throughout those games, the Dawgs and the Golden Eagles are two evenly matched teams that could potentially challenge each other once again this season. The Golden Eagles gain junior guard Jordan Meulemans, who transferred from Butler to Marquette during the offseason after a knee injury that led her to redshirt last year. In her sophomore season as a Bulldog, Meulemans was seventh in the Big East for three-point field goals per game. With the game taking place away from Butler’s home territory, the Dawgs will have to show up to compete in what could prove to be a tough matchup.
3. Butler at Indiana — Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.
In a surprising upset, the Bulldogs beat Indiana for only the second time in program history by a score of 56-46 last season. This year, the Hoosiers introduced first-year forward Maya Makalusky, who was named 2025 Indiana Ms. Basketball. Makalusky is also the sister of a former Bulldog, junior forward Riley Makalusky, who transferred to West Virginia in the offseason. Additionally, Indiana brought back senior guard Shay Ciezki, who scored 11 points in the 2024 contest against Butler. Head coach Teri Moren enters her 12th season with the Hoosiers and will seek to avenge their loss against Butler in this year’s game. Indiana is the Bulldogs’ only Big Ten opponent, and the matchup will be a good test as the two teams go head-to-head in Bloomington.
2. Butler at Villanova — Jan. 18 at 2 p.m.
Villanova could be a tough matchup for Butler as they bring back eight players. Recently, the Wildcats had impressive runs in the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament, going to the finals and semifinals in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Villanova is no slouch, welcoming graduate forward Kylee Watson, who enters her sixth season of college basketball as a transfer from Notre Dame. The Dawgs will have to battle it out against the Wildcats to come away with a win in Philadelphia.
1. Butler vs UConn — Dec. 28 at 4 p.m.
Going into this season, UConn is looking to defend its 2025 Women’s NCAA title and will try to continue its dominance. The last matchup between the Dawgs and the Huskies marked the first time Hinkle Fieldhouse sold out for women’s basketball. While the Huskies dismantled the Bulldogs last season by scores of 101-59 and 86-47, Butler has an opportunity to contend with UConn this season. Without superstar guard Paige Bueckers, the Huskies will have to rely on some less experienced players. Butler could make a statement during this game if they are able to compete with one of the best programs in women’s college basketball.
