MACOMB, IL - Western Illinois welcomes Clarke University to Western Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 3, for a 6 p.m. tipoff. Fans can watch the season opener live on ESPN+ or follow along with live stats through GoLeathernecks.com.

OPENING TIP

The Leathernecks begin their 2026-27 campaign at home after a historic 2025-26 season. Western Illinois finished 26-6 overall and 18-4 in Ohio Valley Conference play, capturing the OVC regular-season and tournament championships.

Head coach JD Gravina enters the new season looking to lead Western Illinois back to the top of the conference and earn another opportunity to compete in the NCAA Tournament.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT

Clarke University, based in Dubuque, Iowa, competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). They are currently 1-0. Tuesday's matchup will provide Western Illinois with its first opportunity to compete against outside competition during the 2026-27 regular season.

THE RETURN

Western Illinois returns senior forward Mia Nicastro, who enters the season following an outstanding campaign in which she earned OVC Player of the Year and OVC Female Athlete of the Year honors. Nicastro averaged 24.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in 2025-26, recording 16 double-doubles.

The Leathernecks also return guard Kaylen Reed, along with several players who will help provide experience and depth throughout the season. Western Illinois welcomes a mix of newcomers as it looks to build on last year's championship success.

THE GRAVINA ERA

Head coach JD Gravina continues to lead the Leathernecks as they look to defend their OVC crown. Under Gravina, Western Illinois captured the conference's regular-season and tournament championships in 2025-26, earning the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2017.

The Leathernecks will look to carry that momentum into the new season as they begin their pursuit of another conference title.

UP NEXT

Following Tuesday's season opener, Western Illinois heads to Nebraska on Nov. 7 before traveling to Omaha on Nov. 9. The Leathernecks return to Western Hall on Nov. 11 to host Cornell College.

FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS

For all the latest information on Leatherneck Women's Basketball, visit GoLeathernecks.com. Fans can also follow Western Illinois Women's Basketball on X, Instagram and Facebook.