‘Cats women's basketball rearing to go

As the 2023-24 season gets rolling for ‘Cats basketball, the women's team is looking to improve after last year’s season-ending defeat to Portland State in the quarterfinals of the Big Sky Championship tournament. 

“I love our team this year because it is a family environment and we all have the same goal — to become Big Sky Champions,” senior Katelynn Limardo said. 

They played an exhibition game at the fieldhouse against Lewis-Clark State this past Saturday, Oct. 28 and picked up the win with a score of 70-39. 

“Our exhibition went well. We worked well together to come out with a [win]. It was exciting to be back competing in the Brick and we are hyped about the start of the season being right around the corner,” Limardo said. 

Looking to carry that momentum into the slate of regular season games that lie ahead, Limardo thinks this group has a special sense of culture. “MSU is a special program because of the culture that surrounds it. We have an amazing coaching staff that values us and our abilities on [and] off the court. I loved the community support that Bozeman provides for its athletic teams. Seeing all the fans cheering us on at every game makes practicing and playing worth it,” Limardo said. 

The team has its last exhibition game on Saturday, Nov. 4 against Carroll College in Helena. 

The Bobcats officially tip-off on Tuesday, Nov. 7 against Brigham Young University (BYU) in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. 

After that matchup against BYU, the ‘Cats will play four more regular season games before heading down to Mexico for the Cancun Challenge — an in-season tournament in Cancun, Mexico — where they will play against a field that includes both James Maddison and New Mexico. They will play 25 more regular season games from Dec. 2 to March 4 before the Big Sky Tournament, which takes place from March 9-13 in Boise, Idaho. 

As they begin to check games off the schedule, it’s crucial for fans to support this team as they continue to push for that Big Sky title. 

“It is so important for people to pack the Brick because the fan base provides a great home court advantage. The crowd provides an extra boost of energy that is vital to our success,” Limardo said. “We are so thankful for Bobcat nation for the support the last three years. We are hoping to bring back another title to Bozeman, but we need your help. Our season opener starts Nov. 7 versus BYU. We can’t wait to see you all in blue and gold. Go ‘Cats,” she said. 

Tickets can be found at msubobcats.com and all students taking seven credits or more receive one free ticket to all MSU home games.