SIUE COUGARS
vs. Saint Louis University Billikens
October 20, 2026 | 6 p.m.
Edwardsville, Ill. | First Community Arena
 
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE women's basketball will open the 2026-27 season with their first exhibition contest Tuesday, welcoming Saint Louis University to First Community Arena for a 6 p.m. tipoff.
 
The matchup marks the third consecutive season in which the Cougars and Billikens will face off to open exhibition play ahead of the regular season.  
 
SIUE enters the 2026-27 season returning six players, including sophomores Kiyoko Proctor and Lauren Miller, two of the Ohio Valley Conference's three returning All-OVC selections.
 
The Cougars also returned junior Adriana Blazquez and senior Ava Gugliuzza, both named as SIUE's "Players to Watch" this year.
 
The Cougars also welcome eight newcomers to the roster, including four transfers and four freshmen. Transfers Pryelle Kesse-Beda (Thomas College), Giselle Dogan (Jessup University), Riley Abney (Schoolcraft College), and Tyra Robinson (Missouri State) each come to Edwardsville with at least two years of collegiate basketball experience.
 
Freshmen joining the Cougars include Brooke Blankenship (Festus, Missouri), Taylor Trame (Aviston, Illinois), Jayla McClinton (Raytown, Missouri), and Alex Nicastro (St. Charles, Missouri).
 
Tuesday's exhibition against Saint Louis is SIUE's only preseason contest at home before the Cougars return to officially open the regular season Nov. 3 against Judson.