University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Charlotte
11/01/2026 | Women's Basketball
Game 1 Details
Opponent: Charlotte
Date / Location: Monday, November 2 (Halton Arena, Charlotte, NC)
Time: 7 PM
Watch: ESPN+
Game Notes: Click here for PDF
Opening Tip
- Alisa Kresge was named as the program's 18th head coach in April 2026. Kresge spent eight seasons at the helm of Vermont, compiling a 145-89 (.620) overall record with three conference tournament championships, two regular season championships and three NCAA tournament appearances. Two-time America East Coach of the Year, Kresge led the Catamounts to at least 20 wins in each of the last five seasons.Â
- Senior guard Ally Sweeney is one of six returners to the Spiders from 2025-26 season. She averaged 10.5 points, 4.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting 46.0 percent from the field, 39.9 percent from three-point range and 87.2 percent at the free throw line last season.Â
- Also returning with Sweeney is junior Payton Richard and sophomores Shaneka Campbell, Ava Persichetti, Aneisha Scott and Rayne Wright.
- Eight newcomers were added to the Spider roster, including seven freshmen. Junior Harriet Ford, a transfer center from Duquesne, is one of three international players with rookie posts Arisa Ihara (Meerbusch, Germany) and Hanna Tjernberg (Stockholm, Sweden). Forwards Alexandra Vandiver (Annapolis, MD) and Josie Fontana (Pittsburg, PA) and guards Emma Schoen (Sellersburg, IN), Kate Schindler (Waxhaw, NC), Bridget Rifenburg (Downers Grove, IL) round out the new Spiders this season.
Preseason A10 First TeamÂ
Ally Sweeney was named to the Preseason All-Atlantic 10 First Team as announced on A10 Media Day on October 19. Sweeney averaged 10.5 points, 4.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds in over 33 minutes per game during her junior season and collected A10 All-Conference Second Team accolades. The Sparta, N.J. native also led the league in total assist (149), including dishing out a career-high 13 helpers against Dayton. This is Sweeney's second preseason league honors, building on last season's second team accolades.
Kresge Named to Preseason Watch List for Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year Award
Spiders head coach Alisa Kresge has been named to the 20-person watch list for the 2027 Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year Award presented by Her Hoop Stats. Kresge, in her first year at the helm of the Spider program, joins coaches from 12 conference, including two from the Atlantic 10, for this preseason recognition for mid-major program leaders.
Last Time vs Charlotte
The 49ers have won the last 10 matchups between the squads, with the Spiders only winning one game back in 2006 (82-64, Feb. 17, 2006, at the Robins Center). The last time the squads squared off, Charlotte won 63-45 at the Robins Center on November 9, 2021, to kick off the season. Addie Budnik paced the Spiders with 16 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks in 36 minutes of action. Kate Klimkiewicz also chipped in 10 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Scouting Charlotte
Charlotte is led by third-year head coach Tomekia Reed who has doubled conference wins each of her first two seasons and has had two players named to the American Conference Postseason teams. Prior to Charlotte, Reed led the Jackson State Tigers for six seasons, winning five consecutive SWAC regular season titles and three SWAC Tournament titles and three HBCU National Coach of the Year honors. The 49ers have five returners from last season, including junior guard Zoe Best, who made 31 starts averaging over 30 minutes a game, 9. 2 points per game, 3.4 assists per game and 1.2 steals per game. Charlotte graduated heavy hitters in forward Asianae Nicholson and guards Tanajah Hayes and Princess Anderson. The 49ers will also face common Atlantic 10 foes in Davidson and VCU.
