MARSHALL, Minn. – The Southwest Minnesota State University women's basketball team will open the 2026-27 season on Monday morning (Nov. 9) hosting Bethany Lutheran College for 'Elementary Day' inside the R/A Facility with game time slated for 11 a.m.
 
SMSU Athletics has announced admission is FREE for all fans.
 
SMSU Athletics has invited nearly 20 area schools to participate in the event with upwards of 3,000 youth expected to attend the game. SMSU previously hosted 'Elementary Day' games in 2022 and 2025.
 
SMSU returns nine letter winners and three starters from last season's squad that finished 17-12 overall and finished fifth in the NSIC with a record of 14-8.
 
BLC, which competes in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference, finished last season at 15-11 overall and won the UMAC regular season championship with a 12-0 record.