Hitting the Hardwood, Part 1

The 2005-06 Washington College basketball seasons tip off Friday as the Shorewomen open at Virginia Wesleyan's Tyson Tip-Off Classic and the Shoremen get things started at the first-ever Pride of Maryland Tournament. Today, we'll take a look at some of the highlights the schedule has in store for the Shorewomen. Tomorrow, we'll look at the Shoremen's schedule.

11/18 at Virginia Wesleyan - Season openers are always interesting, but this one has a special twist. Washington's roster features eight freshmen and one transfer, sophomore guard Elise Conway (pictured), who started at the point last season for - you guessed it - Virginia Wesleyan.

12/6 v. Haverford - After playing their first five games of the season away from home, including their first two conference games, the Shorewomen make their Cain Athletic Center debut against the Fords. Washington won the Chestertown game between the two schools last year in double overtime.

12/10 v. Muhlenberg & 1/7 @ Gettysburg - Last season, Washington lost its first game against Muhlenberg by 39 points and its first game against Gettysburg by 27 points. The second time around, the Shorewomen almost pulled off upsets, falling to the Mules by just six points and to the Bullets by five points. This year's first meetings with the two schools will help show how far Washington has come.

1/18 v. McDaniel - The first of the Shorewomen's two games this season against the defending Centennial Conference Champions.