ROCK HILL, S.C. - The new look Lenoir-Rhyne women's basketball team has been picked to finish fifth in the SAC by the conference coaches.

Earning a spot on the Preseason All-Conference team was Aaliyah El, while Lauren Arnold was named a SAC Player to Watch.

Head coach Emry Tsitouris and her squad are set to open their season on November 15-16 in Shuford Arena when they play host to the PBC/SAC Challenge. 

"I couldn't be more excited for this upcoming season and what lies ahead for this group," said Tsitouris. "This schedule is going to challenge us early and often, but that is exactly what we want as we continue to build this program brick by brick. The South Atlantic Conference is one of the most competitive leagues in Division II, and it will test us every single night."

This year's team returns just 13% of last year's minutes, with veteran Sarah Burton being the Bears' leading returner at 21.5 minutes/game. Aaliyah El was the go-to player for Mars Hill last season, averaging 17.7 ppg on a 47.6% clip from the field. 5'11" sophomore Lauren Arnold saw considerable time at Mars Hill under coach Tsitouris last season and will look make a big impact in her second collegiate season. In total, the Bears roster consists of three returners, five transfers, and eight freshman. 

2025-26 SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Coker - 129 points (9 first-place votes)
2. Carson-Newman - 117 points (2 first-place votes)
3. Wingate - 107 points
4. Anderson - 106 points (1 first-place vote)
5. Lenoir-Rhyne - 89 points
6. Catawba - 85 points
7. Lincoln Memorial - 77 points
8. UVA Wise - 58 points
9. Newberry - 45 points
10. Tusculum - 43 points
11. Emory & Henry - 37 points
12. Mars Hill - 31 points

Preseason All-Conference
Shawnteanna Tillman, Coker
Jennifer Sullivan, Carson-Newman
Aaliyah El, Lenoir-Rhyne
Alexa Smiddy, Lincoln Memorial
Breanna Yarber, Emory & Henry
Kamil Collier, Lincoln Memorial
Laney Beale, Wingate

Players to Watch
Anderson: Rose Gravel, Ashlyn Sheridan
Carson-Newman: Emily Gonzalez
Catawba: Mary Spry, Bailee Goodlett
Coker: Kamari Thompson
Emory & Henry: Gracyn Hall
Lenoir-Rhyne: Lauren Arnold
Mars Hill: Jadyiah Peoples, Makayla Street
Newberry: Mary-Kate Kent, Rickell Brown
Tusculum: Abbi Douglas, Josie Horner
UVA Wise: Caroline Mullins, Madison Looney
Wingate: Kyleigh Bacon