MARTIN, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin women’s basketball team will give fans an early look at the 2023-24 squad with an exhibition contest against NAIA foe Blue Mountain Christian on Monday, Oct. 30. Tipoff from the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center is scheduled for 6 p.m. and admission is free.

The Skyhawks return four starters from a team that went 13-17 a season ago and finished fifth in the league standings before concluding the season in the first round of the OVC Basketball Championship. UT Martin head coach Kevin McMillan enters his ranks 15th season at the helm of the Skyhawks while ranking third in OVC history with 265 career victories. During his tenure, the Skyhawks have won six regular season championships and four tournament crowns while earning nine postseason berths.

UT Martin features one Preseason All-OVC selections in the guard Shae Littleford who garnered postseason honors for the second straight year. Littleford was tabbed to the All-OVC second team after averaging 13.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals while playing 32.8 minutes over 23 games (20 starts) in 2022-23. The Skyhawks also return Anaya Brown, Lexi Rubel and Josie Storey who each started at least 18 games during their freshman campaigns last season.

Blue Mountain Christian posted a 16-13 campaign in 2022-23 and enters its fourth season under head coach Tracy Rice. The Toppers are led by their top returning scorer Charnita Brooks who averaged 10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

Following the exhibition, UT Martin will officially open the season on the road at Marquette on Monday, Nov. 6. For season tickets, go to www.UTMSports.com/tickets or call 731-881-7207.