Hawkeyes will face Virginia Tech on Nov. 9 at Charlotte, N.C.

IOWA CITY -- Caitlin Clark and Elizabeth Kitley.

Iowa vs. Virginia Tech. It’s happening, Nov. 9.

Two teams that reached the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball Final Four will collide in the Ally Tipoff at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C.

“We are excited to take our team to Charlotte this November and play a quality team such as Virginia Tech,” Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder said in a statement. “This will be another great opportunity to showcase our sport on the national stage and create exposure for our university.”

The Hawkeyes (31-7 last season) were the national runners-up, falling to LSU in the championship game. LSU topped the Hokies (31-5) in the semifinals.

Iowa returns three starters, including Clark, the reigning consensus national player of the year, who averaged 27.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game.

Virginia Tech counters with the 6-foot-6 Kitley (18.2 points, 10.7 rebounds per game).

Both teams are likely to be in the preseason top-10.

Iowa also has released a date with Cleveland State (Dec. 16, at Des Moines). The Hawkeyes will play at the Gulf Coast Showcase in Estero, Fla., Nov. 24-26.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com