Charleston, S.C. – The College of Charleston athletic department has announced a 29-game slate for the 2008-09 Cougars women's basketball team that is highlighted by a trip to ACC opponent and 2008 NCAA Tournament team Florida State and includes the opening of the brand new Carolina First Center on November 25 against Coastal Carolina.

The Cougars open the season at Charleston Southern Nov. 17 before heading down to Tallahassee to take on the Seminoles Nov. 20.  On its way back CofC will stop at Kennesaw State for a Nov. 22 contest before hosting Coastal Carolina three days later to christen the Carolina First Center.

“After opening with three road games we are looking forward to our first game in the Carolina First Center against Coastal Carolina on November 25th,” said head coach Nancy Wilson, who led the Cougars to the Southern Conference Tournament semi-finals a year ago.  “They are always a very competitive opponent for us.  On the Saturday following Thanksgiving Georgia State will come to town as the Panthers bring home a couple of South Carolina girls from their roster.”

The schedule includes 15 home and 14 road contests, and will feature home-and-home series with all 10 league opponents.  Other home games include Georgia State, Stetson, South Carolina State and a New Year’s Eve game against USC Aiken.  The Cougars’ final non-conference road game will be at Savannah State Jan. 21.

The Cougars open SoCon play at UNC Greensboro Dec. 6, with their first home league game coming against Furman on Dec. 22.

“Our conference play as always will be the highlight of the schedule. With the addition of Samford to the league, we play a tough 20 game schedule in conference. We will strive to continue to finish in the top half of the conference and move up the ladder from there.”

The 2009 Southern Conference Basketball Championships will be held March 5-9 at the McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Tenn.