When UND released its first Division I women's basketball schedule three months ago, it purposely left one date open for one more game against a recognizable opponent.
UND recently filled that date by adding Northwestern of the Big Ten to its 2008-09 schedule. The Sioux will play the Wildcats on Dec. 22 in Evanston, Ill.
"We were saving the date for a game like this," UND coach Gene Roebuck said. "They called us and we jumped on it."
With the addition of Northwestern, UND may find itself playing opponents from three of the top Division I leagues in the country.
The Sioux also will play Arkansas of the Southeastern Conference on Dec. 9 in Fayetteville and could match up against Iowa State of the Big 12 during a tournament in Ames in late December.
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UND will play 23 of its 29 games against Division I competition.
The Sioux are expected to receive return games in Grand Forks from Wyoming, Ball State, Toledo, Northern Arizona and Vermont during the 2009-10 season.
Ball State also is a new addition to UND's schedule this season. The Sioux will play at Ball State on Jan. 27. The Sioux, however, lost one home game after Western Michigan canceled its Dec. 15 contest in Grand Forks.
After finishing 5-26 last year, Northwestern made a coaching change over the summer. Former George Washington University coach Joe McKeown was named coach in June.
McLeown, who led George Washington to the Sweet 16 last season, is one of 34 Division I coaches who have more than 500 career wins.
Nelson reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 268; or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
