UMES ANNOUNCES THE 2009-10 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
G. STAN BRADLEY 08/10/09

Slate features local and regional rivalries with a trip to Atlanta during winter break.

PRINCESS ANNE, Md.-Ever since Head Coach Fred Batchelor took over the helm of
the women's program five seasons ago he has tried to make a point to establish local and
regional rivalries. He feels that games played against a similar-style opponent helps
create situations his team learns from while creating a game fans really enjoy. This
season his schedule does just that as he plays two in-state rivals, the usual host of
conference opponents, three New York teams and one just about 15 minutes away.

"I think this is an exciting schedule for us," said Batchelor. "We get to establish some
rivalries, keep some going, and really use those games to grow as a team."

The Lady Hawks open their season on the road, traveling to UMBC for a date on
November 15. From there they head north, taking on Manhattan on November 22 and
Long Island on the 24th. They open at home on December 5th in a conference match-up
with Delaware State University then continue their slate of non-conference action hosting
Iona College on December 7 and Towson on December 19.

UMES closes out 2009 with a trip to Atlanta on December 29 & 30, participating in the
Georgia State Tournament. They take on UT Martin on the 29th and face either the host
Panthers or Mississippi Valley State the following day in the championship/consolation
game.

The Hawks travel to American University on January 4 and to North Carolina Central on
January 7. They host the NCCU Eagles on January 27 to complete the non-conference
season.

"I think the non-conference portion of the schedule is great. We are staying fairly close
to home, which gives our fans and our opponents fans a chance to see their team play.
That makes for good games, good crowds and great basketball," added Batchelor.

UMES hosts South Carolina State on January 9 to kick-off the full MEAC season,
turning around to face Winston-Salem in a contest on Monday the 11th. The game
against the Rams does not count to conference standings.

UMES finishes their home season on February 22 when they host Morgan State the game
after Homecoming 2010, a date with Coppin State on February 20. They wrap up their
regular season at Delaware State on March 4 and head to Winston-Salem, N.C. for the
MEAC Championships March 8-13, 2010.


"The conference season is going to be tough," said Batchelor. "We play in a good
league, teams are evenly matched. We were lucky enough for a top four finish last year,
but I thought we should have been higher. This season I think we have the pieces in
place to meet some of our goals and expectations in the league."

Hawk fans will be treated to some of that excitement when the women host an exhibition
contest on November 10th at 6:00 p.m. The opponent will be a great one for local sports
fans as Salisbury University come to the William P. Hytche Center for the second time.
They last took on UMES to open the 2006-07 season with UMES getting a 75-34 win.

"I am excited," exclaimed Batchelor. "They run a good program just down the road and
to get a chance to put our team in game action against them not only helps both teams get
ready for the season, but is great for the local community."