The Bellarmine University women’s basketball team is set to begin its Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) schedule with two home games at the start of 2026. The Knights, currently holding a 2-11 record, will host Queens University on January 1 at 6:30 p.m. ET and West Georgia on January 3 at 2 p.m.
This marks the first time Bellarmine has played at home since November 29, following a stretch of five consecutive road games in December. The remainder of their regular season will consist solely of ASUN matchups, with Queens and West Georgia being the first two opponents in an 18-game conference slate.
Queens enters the game with a 6-5 record, having recently defeated USC-Upstate. Forward Brenae Jones-Grant leads the ASUN in field-goal percentage and is among the top scorers and rebounders in the league. Guard Ana Barreto contributes significantly from beyond the arc, ranking among league leaders in three-pointers made.
West Georgia brings a 7-4 record into its ASUN debut, scheduled for Thursday against Eastern Kentucky before facing Bellarmine. The Wolves have three players ranked among the top ten scorers in the conference: Asia Donald, Jasmine Jones, and Sydne Tolbert. Destiny Jones is tied for first in rebounding within the conference.
According to preseason coaches’ polls, Bellarmine was picked ninth in the ASUN standings, while West Georgia and Queens were selected tenth and eleventh respectively. Monique Reid will make her conference debut as head coach for Bellarmine.
The upcoming matchup between Bellarmine and Queens is their fourth meeting; Bellarmine leads the series 3-0. Last season’s contest saw Bellarmine rally from behind to secure a win in Charlotte. Saturday’s game against West Georgia marks their first-ever meeting at Knights Hall; last year’s encounter ended with an overtime victory for Bellarmine after overcoming an eight-point deficit late in regulation.
Bellarmine has struggled with injuries recently, often playing with only seven or eight available athletes over their last eight games. Their preparation for conference play included challenging matchups against nationally ranked teams such as Louisville (No. 13), Notre Dame (No. 18), Illinois (receiving votes), and Ohio State (No. 19).
Redshirt junior Rose Jamison has led scoring efforts for Bellarmine over recent games, posting her best performances against Arizona and Notre Dame. Jamison previously became Napa Valley College’s all-time leading scorer before transferring to Bellarmine. Sophomore guard Ava Smith is also making an impact by ranking fifth in three-pointers made within the ASUN this season.
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