Western Carolina opens its 2026-27 women’s basketball season Monday against Carolina University, beginning a three-game homestand. The Catamounts return six players and add six newcomers as third-year coach Jonathan Tsipis reshapes the roster.

By the Numbers
  • 6 p.m. tipoff Monday, Nov. 2, at the Ramsey Center.
  • WCU returns 6 players and welcomes 6 newcomers.
  • Ally Hollifield led WCU last season with 11.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game.
  • Carolina University is 0-1 after an 82-75 loss to Montreat; it went 7-19 last season.
Yes, But

Carolina University is an NAIA opponent, not an NCAA Division I program, and the teams have never met. WCU’s returning core offers continuity, but only four returning players saw extensive action last season.

State of Play
  • Monday’s game streams on ESPN+, with Catamount Sports Network audio and live stats available.
  • WCU plays four of its first five games at home, starting with three straight at the Ramsey Center.
  • Carolina University’s roster includes four players taller than 6 feet and six seniors.
What’s Next

WCU continues its homestand against West Florida on Nov. 5 and Johnson University on Nov. 8, then visits UNC Asheville on Nov. 12.

Bottom Line

The opener gives a revamped Catamount roster an early chance to build rhythm at home, with Ally Hollifield’s expanded role and six newcomers among the key storylines.