CHICAGO (September 15, 2021) – Following the release of its non-conference earlier this month, Loyola University Chicago learned the path it will take through Missouri Valley Conference play, following the release of the conference's 2021-22 women's basketball schedule on Wednesday.
 
Sixth-year head coach Kate Achter's team will be tested right out of the gate, as it opens league play with a New Year's Eve date at two-time defending MVC regular season champion Missouri State on December 31 as part of an opening weekend series that also features a road matchup against Southern Illinois (Jan. 2).  Loyola raises the curtain on its home slate the following weekend, as perennial Valley powers Drake (Jan. 7) and Northern Iowa (Jan. 9) invade Gentile Arena.
 
A trip to Central Illinois awaits in mid-January, with visits to Bradley (Jan. 13) and Illinois State (Jan. 15) on the docket.  The Ramblers close the month with a three-game homestand, hosting Evansville (Jan. 21), Indiana State (Jan. 23), and Valparaiso (Jan. 29).
 
Loyola begins its second trip through the league by heading west to battle Northern Iowa (Feb. 4) and Drake (Feb. 6).  Matchups with in-state rivals await the Maroon & Gold upon their return to The Windy City, as Illinois State (Feb. 10) and Bradley (Feb. 12) come to Rogers Park.  A three-game road swing through Indiana follows, as the Ramblers battle Indiana State (Feb. 18), Evansville (Feb. 20), and Valparaiso (Feb. 26).  The regular season concludes when the Ramblers entertain Southern Illinois (March 3) and Missouri State (March 5).
 
For a seventh consecutive year, TaxSlayer Center in Moline, Ill. will play host to the Missouri Valley Conference Championship, March 10-13, where The Valley's 10 teams will battle for the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
 
After guiding the Maroon & Gold to its first postseason appearance in program history in 2020-21, Achter is slated to welcome back 11 letterwinners from last season, including First Team All-MVC pick Allison Day and reigning Valley Freshman of the Year Maya Chandler.
 
Fans can support the Loyola women's basketball program and save up to 50 percent off single game tickets with a 2021-22 season ticket package.  Season tickets are only $56 for all 14 home games, with discounts also available for Loyola faculty and staff.  Visit www.ramblertickets.com for more information.
 
2021-22 Loyola Women's Basketball Schedule
Nov. 9 – Detroit Mercy
Nov. 12 – at DePaul
Nov. 17 – at Northwestern
Nov. 20 – Chicago State
Nov. 28 – Miami (Ohio)
Dec. 3 – at Dartmouth
Dec. 5 – at Vermont
Dec. 8 – Eastern Illinois
Dec. 11 – at Central Michigan
Dec. 21 – at Cleveland State
Dec. 28 – Purdue Northwest
Dec. 31 – at Missouri State *
Jan. 2 – at Southern Illinois *
Jan. 7 – Drake *
Jan. 9 – Northern Iowa *
Jan. 13 – at Bradley *
Jan. 15 – at Illinois State *
Jan. 21 – Evansville *
Jan. 23 – Indiana State *
Jan. 29 – Valparaiso *
Feb. 4 – at Northern Iowa *
Feb. 6 – at Drake *
Feb. 10 – Illinois State *
Feb. 12 – Bradley *
Feb. 18 – at Indiana State *
Feb. 20 – at Evansville *
Feb. 26 – at Valparaiso *
March 3 – Southern Illinois *
March 5 – Missouri State *
March 10 – at MVC Championship (Moline, Ill.)
March 11 – at MVC Championship (Moline, Ill.)
March 12 – at MVC Championship (Moline, Ill.)
March 13 – at MVC Championship (Moline, Ill.)