HICKORY, N.C. - First-year Head Coach Emry Tsitouris and the Lenoir-Rhyne women's basketball team have officially released their 2025-26 schedule. 

"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."

Lenoir-Rhyne, who has almost an entirely new team, open their season at home on November 15th-16th when they host the Peach Belt/South Atlantic Conference Challenge. USC Aiken, Lander, and Carson-Newman will be in town to play four games in two days. The Bears will face off against USC Aiken on Saturday the 15th and Lander on Sunday the 16th. 

Following their home opener, the Bears hit the road for four consecutive road games, including contests against 2025 NCAA Tournament teams Francis Marion and Belmont Abbey. The Bears close the road stand out with their SAC opener against Lincoln Memorial on Friday, November 28th. Lenoir-Rhyne's first home conference game will take place on Saturday, December 6th, when they play host to Emory & Henry. The Christmas break slate consists of a home matchup with Mars Hill on December 20th, and a trip to Bristol, Tennessee, to take on King on New Years Eve. 

The 2026 calendar year sees the Bears open with home games against Newberry on January 7th, and 2025 NCAA Tournament qualifier Carson-Newman on Saturday the 10th. The back half of Lenoir-Rhyne's schedule pits them against 2025 NCAA Division II Elite Eight participant Coker twice, and SAC Tournament Champions Anderson twice. Senior Day is set for Saturday, February 21st, vs. Tusculum. 

"Our team has been working incredibly hard and I can't wait to see that work translate onto the court. We're ready to compete, represent Lenoir-Rhyne with heart, and take a big step toward becoming a national powerhouse. We've got exciting new additions to this roster, including five transfers and eight freshman, along with three key returners. My staff and I can't wait to see how all these pieces come together."

To view this year's schedule, click HERE. To view the 2025-26 roster, click HERE.