ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – For the first time since 2011, the UCF women's basketball team is back in postseason play. The Knights (20-11) will participate in the Women's National Invitation Tournament for the first time ever.
"I'm excited for our players, especially our returners who have never been to the postseason," head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson said. "It's a lot of fun to be able to keep playing right now. It's a great experience for the whole team, but it's very special for the seniors. They get to extend their careers."
The Knights will host Stetson at 7 p.m. on Thursday in CFE Arena.
Tickets to Thursday's game are available now on UCFKnights.com. Season ticket holders can login to their account and purchase tickets by clicking here. Tickets for the general public can be purchased by clicking here. All UCF students will receive free admission to the first round.
Ticket Info
- General Admission: $7
- Kids: $5
- Students: Free for the first round
UCF has been to four NCAA Tournaments following Atlantic Sun Championships (1996, 1999) and Conference USA titles (2009, 2011).
"It's my first time playing in the postseason as a Knight," senior Zykira Lewis said. "I'm excited to continue playing with my teammates."
The Knights posted one of the best turnarounds in Division I women's basketball, as their 20 wins in the 2016-17 campaign marked 13 more victories than last season. At 9-7 in American Athletic Conference action, UCF more than doubled its win total from last season and earned a first round bye in the conference tournament for the first time. As the fourth seed, UCF defeated fifth-seeded Tulane 61-57 in the quarterfinals, before falling to top ranked - and eventual champion - UConn 78-56 in the semis.
Reaching milestone after milestone under Abrahamson-Henderson's guidance, the Knights earned several "firsts" this season. One of those came on Feb. 14, when UCF knocked off then-No. 22 USF in the Sun Dome. In addition to collecting six points in the War on I4, the Knights picked up the program's first win over a nationally ranked opponent, and their first win in Tampa.
The Knights added the program's first win in The American tournament to their resume on March 4, and nine days later achieved another program first: earn a bid to the WNIT.
"It means a lot," redshirt senior Joslyn Massey said. "I'm happy that we get to continue this great season."
GET THE APP
Never miss any UCF Knights news from your favorite team by downloading the free UCF Knights app right to your iOS or Android phone! The app provides personalized information for men's and women's teams, scores, schedules, loyalty programs and even breaking news.