DANA LEE | STAFF REPORTER | delee1@butler.edu

The Butler University women’s basketball team can expect to see a variety of opponents this season in a combination of Big East and non-conference match-ups. The team’s core is young, and fans should expect to see talent develop throughout the season.

5) TCU on Nov. 30

The matchup between TCU and Butler is one of seven non-conference games this season, and marks only the second time the two teams have met. Last year was the first, and concluded with a 65-53 Bulldog victory and a historic triple-double from senior Belle Obert. This year, the game looks slightly different. While TCU’s Zahna Medley left for the WNBA, Butler still has its work cut out. As a member of the Big 12 Conference, TCU regularly competes against Baylor University, Texas University, and West Virginia University — all nationally ranked teams. Butler will need a high powered offense if they want a repeat of last year’s win.

4) University of South Florida on Dec. 2

Butler faces two challenges back-to-back. Two days after TCU, the Bulldogs play in Hinkle Fieldhouse against South Florida. The Bulls are coming off of a top 25 nationally-ranked season and brief stint in the NCAA Championship Tournament before losing to UCLA in the second round. That being said, there’s no reason Butler can’t come out on top this year. Based off last year’s 87-77 loss to the Bulls, Butler will need to attack the basket and bear down on defense. Letting South Florida take a hot lead in the first half can be dangerous, but if the Bulldogs can hang on, the second half should put fans on the edge of their seats.

3) St. John’s University on Jan. 5

This game could be a repeat of last year’s 62-58 upset on Butler’s senior day, something fans should look forward to.  Despite missing Danaejah Grant, last year’s top scorer in the Big East, St. John’s will still pose a challenge. No doubt St. John’s will look to even things up this year, especially after clinching the Big East Championship in March.

2) DePaul University on Jan. 13

Butler travels to Chicago to face Big East foe DePaul. A win would be a huge boost for the team, especially after the Blue Devils knocked the Bulldogs out of the Big East Tournament quarterfinals last year. Butler can expect a tough opponent in senior Jessica January, one of conference’s most dominant scorers. Defense will play a large role in a Butler win, no easy feat against the Big East’s top offense.

1) Xavier University on Jan. 8

If anything, the rivalry between the two evenly matched Big East teams has only increased. Last year, Butler stole a 48-47 win for the team’s first Big East tournament win. A Butler layup from Tori Schickel in the last minute gave her team the lead against the tournament’s No. 8 seed. If Butler wants to pull away with a win, they’ll need to a collective team effort offensively and defensively. Xavier senior Raeshaun Gaffney poses a threat with her experience and offensive presence. Rivalry games are always a must-see, and school pride is on the line.