ST. CHARLES, Mo. - On Friday morning, the Ohio Valley Conference released the 2026 OVC Women's Tennis preseason poll as well as the OVC preseason players to watch list. The Lions checked in at number five on the poll with 15 points ahead of Southern Indiana (11) and Tennessee State (7). Rounding out the top four includes Bryant (34), SIUE (31), SEMO (25), and Western Illinois (24).

Outside of the poll, Fabiana Labrador and Megan Caffin were mentioned as an All-OVC returner and an OVC preseason player to watch.  Labrador was a First team All-OVC selection in 2025 and was named a one time OVC Singles Player of the Week. The Junior from Venezuela posted a record of 5-8 in singles at the No. 1 spot and went 7-7 in doubles in her Sophomore campaign. Meanwhile, Caffin was named the 2026 OVC preseason player to watch from Lindenwood. In the Fall of 2025, Caffin picked up four singles wins and three doubles win across three tournaments. 

The Lions will begin their season next Friday as they will host Northern Iowa.