Oct. 9, 2002

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The University of Missouri women's basketball team, under fifth-year head coach Cindy Stein, will open the 2002-03 basketball season on Saturday by holding its first full practice from 8-11 a.m. in the Hearnes Center.

Under NCAA Bylaw 17.5.2, institutions may commence on-court preseason basketball practice sessions (other than strength and conditioning workouts) starting the Saturday closest to October 15. This year, that date falls this Saturday, Oct. 12.

Practices will continue through the start of the competitive season, which begins with an exhibition game on Sunday, Nov. 10, against the Basketball Travelers. The regular-season opener is on Saturday, Nov. 23, at Southwest Missouri State, while the home opener is set for Tuesday, Nov. 26, against Bradley.