MONROE, La. – The ULM women's basketball team (1-0) remains at home this week, taking on the Louisiana Christian Wildcats (0-1) in their Education Day game on Monday, tipping off at 11:30 a.m. The Warhawks are looking to continue a strong opening to the season, as they beat Central Baptist 117-60, tying the program record for most points scored.
SERIES HISTORY –
ULM and Louisiana Christian have a storied history, the first meeting between the two teams dating back to 1975, when the Warhawks won 71-46 in Monroe during the ULM Tournament. The most recent meeting was just last year, where ULM extended its five-game win streak to six by claiming a resounding 107-53 win. The last win for the Wildcats came on Dec. 6, 1997, where they won 80-72 in Monroe.
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS –
Louisiana Christian is searching for their first win of the season, hoping to do is against long-time foe ULM. To open the season, the Wildcats fell at Dillard, 71-59. Breyionce George led the team with 17 points and three rebounds. Last season, the Wildcats went 11-16, with Princis Goff leading the team to the quarterfinals of the RRAC championship. Goff was named to the LSWA All-Louisiana Second Team to round out the 2023-24 season.
RECORD BREAKERS –
In the season opener vs. Central Baptist, the ULM Warhawks set or beat multiple program records. They scored 117 points on the Mustangs, tying the record for most points scored in a game, a record set in 1982 vs. Nicholls State. The 57-point victory ranks sixth in program history for highest margin of victory.
FOURTH-PLACE PICK –
The Warhawks started the preseason strong, being selected fourth in the Sun Belt preseason coaches poll, receiving 150 votes. This is the highest ULM women's basketball has been ranked in the SBC preseason poll since joining the conference in 2006.
BUILDING THE PROGRAM WITH BILDERBACK –
Head Coach Missy Bilderback led the 2023-24 Warhawks to a 21-14 record, the most wins for the program in 16 years, in her first season as head coach. They also held the longest conference win streak in over 19 years. ULM finished the season by competing in the WNIT, going on the longest postseason run since 1985, making it to the Great 8 before falling to conference foe Troy.
PRESEASON HONORS –
Jakayla Johnson was named All-Sun Belt First Team after receiving multiple honors at the conclusion of last season. She was the second leading scorer on the Warhawks, averaging 15.2 points/game. She reached the 30-point mark in two games last season as well. This is ULM's first player to be named to the All-Sun Belt First Team since 2006, when the Warhawks joined the conference.
Katlyn Manuel, the conference's reigning Sixth Woman of the Year, was named All-Sun Belt Third Team to open the 2024-25 season. In her third year with the Warhawks, Manuel averaged 10.2 points/game, racking up three double-doubles. She also led the team with 30 blocks on the season, averaging 1.0 per game.
FOLLOW THE WARHAWKS –
Monday's game will be available to stream on ESPN+. Fans can also follow along on KMLB 105.7 FM, where Adam Holland is on the call for listeners. Links to live stats for all games, when available, can be found at ULMWarhawks.com. Navigate to the women's basketball schedule page and select that day's opponent.
LOOKING AHEAD –
The women's basketball team is hitting the road this week for the first road test of the season. The Warhawks will take on Southern Illinois on Wednesday for their first meeting in program history. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST in Carbondale.
