KANSAS CITY, MO – LC State Women’s Basketball will start the 2025-26 season as the No. 7-ranked team in the NAIA, announced in the preseason poll on Wednesday. The Warriors also enter the new campaign at the top of the Cascade Conference preseason poll and open the season on Friday at home against Dickinson State (N.D.).
The Warrior women went 26-7 last season and finished as the runner-up in the CCC postseason tournament. LC State advanced to the NAIA Second Round before a loss to then-No. 5 Briar Cliff (Iowa) ended the season. Five seniors lead the team including All-Cascade Conference honorees Sitara Byrd and Payton Hymas. Last season’s NAIA blocks leader Darian Herring also returns for her junior year under third-year head coach Caelyn Orlandi.
Around the Cascade Conference, Oregon Tech checked in at No. 14 with Southern Oregon just behind at No. 15. College of Idaho is receiving votes.
The 2025-26 LC State Women’s Basketball season preview will be available on Thursday.