**UT Tyler Women's Basketball Poised for 2023-24 Season Under Coach Alvidrez**
The UT Tyler women's basketball team is gearing up for an anticipated 2023-24 season, entering under fifth-year head coach Rebecca Alvidrez with a No. 6 ranking in the Lone Star Conference (LSC) Preseason Poll. This projection aligns with their finish last season, signaling continued expectations for the Patriots.
Under Coach Alvidrez's leadership, the Patriots finished the 2022-23 campaign with a 17-11 overall record and a 12-10 mark in the LSC. They secured the sixth seed in the LSC Tournament before falling to Lubbock Christian in the quarterfinals.
The team will look to build on that foundation with a core of returning talent and several key transfers. Senior guard Meagan Johnson and senior forward Tina Antwi are set to return, alongside sophomore guard Ella Considine and junior guard Destini Green. New faces joining the roster include transfers Lilli Hawley from Tarleton State, Polina Konnova from Colorado Christian, and Marissa Lizotte from Southern Arkansas. The Patriots will navigate the season without Lovisa Hevinder and Francesca Sweeney-Moala, who departed from the program.
The 2023-24 season officially tips off on Friday, November 10th, as UT Tyler travels to Denton, Texas, to compete in the Pioneer Classic against Western Colorado. The team's first home game is scheduled for Wednesday, November 15th, welcoming Southwestern Adventist to campus. LSC conference play will begin at home on Thursday, November 30th, when UT Tyler hosts Arkansas Fort Smith.
Senior Day celebrations are slated for Saturday, March 2nd, during the home game against Angelo State. Postseason aspirations include the LSC Tournament, set to run from March 7th to 10th at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas. Beyond conference play, the NCAA Division II Championship Elite Eight is scheduled for March 25th to 28th in St. Joseph, Missouri, serving as a ultimate goal for the Patriots.
