DES MOINES, IOWA ? For the ninth time in school history, the Drake women's basketball team has been tabbed to participate in the 48-team National Women's Invitational Tournament with the Bulldogs hosting Green Bay on Saturday (March 22).

The NIT will determine the starting time for the second meeting of the campaign between Drake and the Phoenix on Tuesday (March 18). Green Bay won the season opener against the Bulldogs, 78-66, in the Drake Knapp Center on Nov. 9, 2007.

A victory by Drake sets up a second-round meeting with Illinois on Monday (March 24).

“We're really excited to have this opportunity to play at home in the Women's NIT,” Drake head coach Amy Stephens said.

This will mark the fourth time during Stephen's five-year tenure as head coach in which the Bulldogs have advanced to post-season play. Under Stephens, Drake also played in the 2004 and 2006 WNIT and the 2007 NCAA Tournament.

Earning a share of the Missouri Valley Conference regular season title for the sixth time in school history, Drake advanced to the finals of the league tournament before falling to Illinois State, 70-62, on Sunday (March 16) in St. Charles, Mo.

The Bulldogs are joined in the field by league foes Evansville and Creighton. The Purple Aces host Southeast Missouri State, while the Bluejays travel to face South Dakota State. Both games will be played on Thursday (March 20).

Ticket prices for the game will be $4 for students, $7 for general admission and $13 for reserved seating. Groups of 10 or more may purchase seats for $5 apiece. For ticketing information contact the Drake ticket office at (515) 271-DOGS (3647).