Charlotte 49ers women's basketball schedule finalized

The 49ers' women's basketball schedule was finalized Monday when Conference USA announced the league schedule. Charlotte will play a 16-game C-USA schedule, facing 14 teams once and its designated "travel" partner Marshall in a home-and-home series.

Charlotte's season opens Nov. 8 against Liberty at Halton Arena; the league season begins at home against Old Dominion on Jan. 8, followed by another game at Halton on Jan. 11 against North Texas.

"We're really looking forward to our first year in Conference USA," coach Cara Consuegra, who is expected to give birth to her first child Tuesday, in a statement. "It's going to be very challenging learning all these new teams, including teams that have been very successful. And, also, with all of us that are also new. It will be a challenge but certainly one we are looking forward to. We get to host some great teams but we're also on the road at some very challenging venues. This team is going to be challenged and hopefully get prepared for postseason play."

The 49ers return two starters from last season's team that went 26-6 and made it to the third round of the WNIT.

2013-14 schedule

Nov. 8, Liberty; 10, at Kansas State; 13, at Minnesota; 20, at Florida Gulf Coast; 23, Central Florida; 26, Winthrop; 30, Cincinnati (at Las Vegas).

Dec. 1, Nevada-Las Vegas or Fordham (at Las Vegas); 8, South Carolina; 17, at Stetson; 21, at Davidson; 29, Furman.

Jan. 3, UNC Wilmington; 8, Old Dominion; 11, North Texas; 15, at Texas-San Antonio; 18, at Texas-El Paso; 22, Tulane, 25, Rice; 29, at Ala.-Birmingham.

Feb. 1, at East Carolina; 8, Southern Mississippi; 12, at Louisiana Tech; 15, at Marshall; 19, Florida Atlantic; 22, at Middle Tennessee; 26, Florida International.

March 1, Marshall; 5, at Tulsa. 11-15, Conference USA tournament, El Paso.