KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan women's basketball team and head coach Shane Clipfell revealed the 2017 non-conference schedule on Thursday afternoon. The season includes three home games and nine away games for the Broncos, highlighted by the Gulf Coast Showcase, Puerto Rico Classic and two Big Ten Conference opponents. Tip times will be announced at a later date.

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"With the start of regular-season practices just a few days away, we are all very anxious to get on the court with our team," commented WMU head coach Clipfell. "Looking at our tough schedule, we felt that our team has the experience to be challenged early and often. The non-conference season will prepare us for our ultra-competitive conference season."

The Broncos play host to three non-conference opponents this season with the home opener scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 30 against Olivet College. The Broncos also welcome in-state rival Detroit on Dec. 8 and Kentucky State on Dec. 15.

Western Michigan begins the season with a difficult road schedule including four-straight road contests facing New Mexico on Nov. 12 for the season opener, New Mexico State (11/12), Loyola University (11/15) and B1G opponent Iowa on Nov. 19. The Hawkeyes finished the season last year with a 20-14 record and advanced to the quarterfinals of the WNIT.
 
WMU will face its other B1G opponent and 2017 NCAA Tournament team Michigan State on Dec. 3 in East Lansing, Mich. Last season, the Broncos nearly upset the No. 21 ranked Spartans at University Arena, taking MSU into overtime before falling 68-64.   

The Broncos head south with a pair of neutral games as the team competes in the Gulf Coast Showcase on Nov. 24-26. WMU is one of eight participants in the field including reigning NCAA National Champions South Carolina and two other 2017 NCAA Tournament participants.

Prior to the start of the Mid-American Conference season, the Broncos are scheduled to participate in the Puerto Rico Classic for the second time in school history. Due to the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico College Sports Tours and the participating schools are currently evaluating the situation in Puerto Rico. Should the tournament be relocated, updates will be made available and posted on wmubroncos.com as well as on social media.