Gardner‑Webb University has released its non‑conference slate for the 2026‑27 women’s basketball season, a schedule that blends regional rivalries with high‑profile road trips.
Opening the season at home
The Bulldogs open on November 5 with a home contest against Catawba College, then enjoy a four‑game home stretch that includes matchups against UNC Greensboro, Queens University, East Tennessee State and Mercer, each part of a home‑and‑home series.
The first test away from home comes on November 24 when Gardner‑Webb travels to Chapel Hill to face the University of North Carolina, a perennial powerhouse.
Thanksgiving tournament and early December road trips
From November 27 to 29 the team will compete in the Raising The B.A.R. Thanksgiving Tournament at Cal‑Berkeley, where they could meet Cal, Delaware or ECU.
After the tournament the Bulldogs head to Western Carolina on December 2 before visiting Clemson on December 6, rounding out a busy early‑season road swing.
Late‑season home finale and final road challenges
The last non‑conference home game is scheduled for December 16 against Tennessee Tech at Paul Porter Arena, after which the team will hit the road for contests at Wofford, UNC Wilmington and a nationally ranked South Carolina squad on December 28.
Overall, the schedule offers a mix of regional rivalries and marquee matchups that will test the Bulldogs against some of the nation’s top competition.