Eastern Michigan’s Women’s basketball are preparing to start their season, and Eastern Michigan women’s basketball team is ready to bounce back from their first round exit in the MAC tournament last season. 

The Eagles hosted Concordia University on Monday, Nov. 1, inside the Convocation Center for an exhibition game. 

It was their only exhibition matchup of the pre-season, as they get ready to tip-off the regular season on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at noon against Youngstown State University inside the Convocation Center.

EMU Coach Fred Castro will begin his sixth season in charge of the Eastern Michigan women's basketball program. For the past 19 years, Castro has worked his way to the top starting as a student manager, to now running the program. Last season he led the program through many challenges that came as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as they were still able to produce a 10-10 record, which qualified them for the annual MAC tournament that was held in Cleveland, Ohio.  

Joining the staff for his first season is veteran coach Kevin Mondro. Mondro isn’t new to EMU, he just finished his 10th year as a member of the Eastern Michigan men's basketball program and his fourth as the Associate Head Coach in 2020-21. Mondro is a 1997 graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy where he earned three basketball letters playing for the Titans. 

This year’s Lady Eagles feature lots of returning talent, true freshman, highlighted by returning All-MAC and MAC All-Defensive Team honoree Areanna Combs.

Castro was recently asked about Combs' return on the ‘Eastern Insider’ podcast.

“I’m incredibly excited, she’s a unique player,” Castro said. “Having her another year is huge… all the pieces to the puzzle are there.” 

The team was selected fifth overall in the MAC pre-season coaches poll. The poll is conducted of the league's head coaches, with each providing their predictions. 

Comb’s also earned a bid on the preseason All-MAC teams, and was selected a spot on the first team.

After the season opener against Youngstown State, EMU will play two more games, Saturday Nov. 13, against Detroit Mercy, and Thursday, Nov. 18, against Grace Christian. This will round out its three-game, season-opening home slate.

For information on where to watch, team schedules, and more on Eastern Michigan women’s basketball, visit EMUEagles.com.

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