The URI women’s basketball team is headed to the “Big Dance” this weekend for the opening round of the NCAA tournament. The team’s historic season will continue in Louisville, Kentucky, on Saturday, March 21, when the No. 11 Rams face No. 6 Alabama. It will be URI’s second appearance in the tournament, and its first in 30 years.

An historic season

After winning its second regular-season Atlantic 10 title in four years, the Rams played in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 tournament on March 6 at the Henrico Sports & Events Center in Virginia. As the No. 1 seed, URI played No. 8 Loyola Chicago, which defeated No. 9 St. Bonaventure, 61-59, in the second round of the tournament.

The Rams were represented in every category in the A-10’s end of season awards for the first time in program history, collecting honors in First Team, Second Team, Third Team, Defensive Team, Rookie Team, and Academic Team.

The top-seeded Rams completed the run through the 2026 Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship, winning the tournament for the first time in program history. Rhody (28-4) defeated second-seeded George Mason 53-51 to punch their ticket to the NCAA Championship.

Leadership and pride

URI head coach Tammi Reiss, named A-10 Coach of the Year for the third time, addressed the team and program supporters who gathered to watch the NCAA selection show on ESPN. “This is the best group of women I have ever had the privilege to coach. There is a reason we have two beautiful trophies in the room. This is a group that wanted the best chemistry and the best culture. They wanted to play for the ring, the championship. This team represents our University to the highest degree.”

The winner of Rhode Island-Alabama will play to the winner of No. 3 Louisville-No. 14 Vermont on Monday, March 23.

Ticket and game information will be available on GoRhody.com when it becomes available.