Terriers To Challenge the Nation's Best in 2002-03
May 24, 2002 | Women's Basketball
BOSTON - Boston University will take on a number of the country's best women's basketball programs during the 2002-03 season, including nationally-ranked Stanford, Vanderbilt and Saint Joseph's, as announced today by head coach Margaret McKeon.
"This is by far the best and toughest schedule since I came to B.U.," said McKeon, who enters her fourth season at the helm. "Our first three games are against teams that either made it to the NCAA's or the NIT. We will really find out what we are made of."
The Terriers open with their most anticipated non-conference game of the season, a home contest against Vanderbilt on Nov. 23. Last season, the Commodores were guided to the NCAA Elite Eight by All-American Chantelle Anderson. Vanderbilt finished the season with a 30-7 record and was ranked fourth in the final Associated Press Poll.
"Not only is this game a great opportunity for our program, but it will be a true test of where we are early on in the season," said McKeon. "Vanderbilt has Anderson, one of the best players in the nation. We have all five starters back, though, I feel confident we will be ready for this challenge."
The Terriers host cross-town rival and Ivy League champion Harvard on Nov. 26 and travel to Saint Joseph's to play the Hawks on Nov. 30. Saint Joseph's went 24-8 last season, reached the finals of the Atlantic 10 tournament and received a WNIT bid.
Following a home contest against Central Connecticut on Dec. 3, the Terriers will compete at the DePaul tournament on Dec. 6-7 against teams yet to be determined. The tournament-host Blue Demons finished last season with a 15-14 record and earned a bid to the WNIT. The post-season berth was the 11th in DePaul's last 14 seasons.
"DePaul coach Doug Bruno has done a outstanding job leading his team in post-season success," said McKeon. "The competition in Chicago should be great, and for our players from the midwest, it will be a great chance for their friends and family to see them play."
The Terriers continue their tough non-conference schedule by hosting Stanford on Dec. 21. The Cardinal finished last season with a 32-3 record and a perfect 18-0 mark in the Pacific-10 Conference. Led by coach Tara VanDerveer, Stanford was ranked as high as second in the nation during the 2001-02 season.
"To host Stanford, a team that will be a Final Four pick this season, will be a great opportunity," said McKeon. "I think it's a game we are definitely ready to prepare for and ready to show everyone what we are made of."
Closing out the non-conference slate, the Terriers play away games at South Florida on Dec. 30, Fordham on Jan. 3 and Farleigh Dickenson on Jan. 5.
Looking to compete for its first-ever America East title, B.U. plays 16 conference games this season.
In 2001-02, the Terriers went 17-11 overall and 10-6 in league play, earning a second-place finish in the America East conference. The 17 wins were the most wins in seven years, marking the first winning season in seven years.
The Terriers return all five starters and 11 players for the 2002-03 season, including First Team All-Conference selection Katie Terhune (Port Murray, NJ).
In addition, the Terriers will welcome Shannon Petranoff (Cranston, R.I.), Katie Meinhardt (San Francisco, CA) and Rachel Vanderwal (Stoney Creek, ONT) as the Class of 2006.
