On Wednesday, the Ohio Valley Conference released its players to watch for the upcoming season, which featured Cadence Dykstra and Violet McNece from the Lindenwood women's basketball team.

Dykstra spent the last three seasons at the University of Toledo playing in 92 games, including 39 starts. During that time, she averaged 2.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in nearly 15 minutes of action. Dykstra scored a career-high 13 points against Long Beach State during the 2024-25 season and had the third most assists on the team a year ago. In the classroom, she was two-time CSC Academic All-District and one-time Academic All-MAC.

McNece will be no stranger to the OVC after spending last season at Morehead State. In her lone season with the Eagles, McNece appeared in 31 games, starting 26 and averaged 9.5 points and 3.1 assists per game. The 6-0 guard scored in double figures on 14 occasions and was deadly from beyond the arc, connecting at 40 percent, while making 64 overall, fifth-most in the conference.

These two will be among 11 newcomers to suit up for the Lions under first-year head coach Phil Sayers.

Season tickets for the 2026-27 season are on sale now and can be purchased at lindenwoodlions.com/tickets