Penn State women’s basketball is heading down to Florida this fall for a three-day, eight-team tournament as part of its non-conference schedule.

From November 26 to 28, the Lady Lions will join UCLA, Iowa State, South Dakota State, UMass, Kent State, Charlotte, and St. John’s in the Gulf Coast Showcase. The entire event will take place at the Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida.

“Since its inception, the Gulf Coast Showcase has attracted the very best in women’s college basketball,” said tournament director Debbie Antonelli. “I fully expect to see six or seven teams in this year’s field playing in the NCAA Tournament in March and our champion competing for a Final Four berth.” 

Penn State will open up the tournament against St. John’s at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 26. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

The winner will face the winner of Iowa State and Charlotte on Saturday, November 27.

The Lady Lions are heading into year three under head coach Carolyn Kieger, who undoubtedly wants to see continued improvement from the young roster. Competing in tournaments like this will give the team a much-needed challenge.

More information regarding the Gulf Coast Showcase is available online.