The 2016 UCF Women’s Basketball team went 21-12 under a first-year head coach using new strategies and a similar team. Now the team that’s led by Katie Abrahamson-Henderson looks to have another successful year and a longer run in the NIT tournament once the 2017 season gets started.
Releasing their 2017 conference matchups, the Knights now await their full schedule and non-conference opponents. But for Abrahamson, the idea of a tough schedule isn’t something that will derail her off the team’s mission.
Leading the team to one of the most successful seasons in UCF history, the Knights came in fourth place in the American Athletic Conference just behind UConn, Temple and USF. The Black and Gold will meet these three teams at the CFE Arena, as well as on the road this upcoming season.
This season, the Knights will also host East Carolina, Tulane, and conference new-comer Wichita State. The team will travel to Cincinnati, Houston and Tulsa, while also playing Memphis and SMU on the road as well as at home.
According to UCFKnights.com, the regular season schedule will be posted in August.
With almost every player returning from last year’s team returning and the Knights adding five new members to its 2017 roster, the Knights are poised for another strong season.
With returning players Tolulope Omokore, Aliyah Gregory and Fifi Ndour being key components on the team, holding the best field goal percentages for UCF, Gregory will be looked to as one of the biggest leaders of the group.
Last season, the senior guard had some of the highest stats on the team. Garnering 514 points over the 2016-17 season,Gregory was also an All-Conference First Team selection.
Last year, coach Abrahamson-Henderson signed five new members to the women’s basketball team. The five new players consist of two forwards and three guards, totaling three incoming freshman and two juniors.
This year the Knight’s will be able to welcome senior Zakiya Saunders. After sitting out a year due to NCAA transfer rules, Saunders spent last season at the University of Albany and was a top-ranked point guard for Albany, setting many milestones.
