Murray State women’s basketball released its 2018 schedule this morning, consisting of one of the team’s toughest non-conference schedules in recent memory.

With head coach Rechelle Turner entering her second season, this year will feature her first recruiting class. The team will encounter some of the region’s biggest schools, playing against University of Kentucky on Dec. 21 and University of Tennessee on Dec. 28. They will also face Butler University for the second-straight season on Nov 13.

They will also take on University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Lipscomb University, Bethel University, Alabama A&M University, Arkansas State University, Oakland City University, the University of Evansville and Lindsey Wilson College.

The 2018 @RacersWBB schedule is out! Check out the full slate here:https://t.co/nWsKM20Hle pic.twitter.com/yvhmIxGYxg

— Murray State Racers Athletics (@MSURacers) September 4, 2018

“Our non-conference schedule is very challenging,” Turner said in a press release. “Our players are excited about the opportunities and experience they will gain as they square off with teams from the SEC, the Big East and the Big Ten on the road in November and December.”

Turner expects a lot from her team in the upcoming season, and hopes that the Racers’ young talent will grow from the experience of battling against such well-known programs.

“We’re looking forward to introducing our young and talented team to the best fans in college basketball inside the CFSB Center with a non-conference home schedule that includes critical tests against regional Missouri Valley rivals Evansville and Southern Illinois,” Turner said. “We believe the only way to prepare ourselves for a rigorous OVC campaign is to compete at the highest level in November and December. We look forward to the support of Racer Nation as our young women work to create their own championship culture in the OVC.”