JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman's women's basketball program has added exhibition contests with perennial Division I powers Tennessee and North Carolina as exhibitions to open the season. 

The Eagles open the year in Chapel Hill, N.C against the Tar Heels before making the short trek to Knoxville, Tenn., for a Nov. 4 tilt with the Lady Vols.

"These two games in particular give us a chance to play against the best of the best in women's college basketball," C-N head coach Mike Mincey said. "In the past, it's given us a chance to see what players are willing to step into that arena and compete against the best.  We carry that stuff into our season."

C-N started playing exhibition contests with UT when legendary coach Pat Summitt was prowling the sidelines; the contests have continued since Holly Warlick took over the program. 

"When you look at Tennessee, most of the kids on our roster are from the state," Mincey said. "Most of them have probably dreamed of playing in Thompson-Boling Arena.  This is a chance for them to go out and do that, playing in front of 10,000 plus fans.

"We really appreciate coach Summitt playing us when we started the series, and coach Warlick for continuing it."

The matchup with UNC marks a game with an Eagle legend. Tar Heel head coach Sylvia Hatchell graduated from C-N with her bachelor of science in physical education in 1974.  She has since been inducted into the Carson-Newman athletic hall of fame.

"With Sylvia Hatchell being a Carson-Newman grad," Mincey said. "It's great to play the tremendous program that she's built.  They're always very respectful and top notch."  

-CN-