The Ohio Valley Conference Women's Basketball Preseason Poll was released on Thursday with the Lions being selected fifth and earning a total of 68 points.

Southern Indiana was picked to finish atop the league, garnering eight first-place votes and a total of 122 points. SIUE was close behind with 113 total points and four first place votes. Western Illinois received the other top vote and was selected third overall. UT Martin was picked fourth, while Lindenwood rounded out the top five. SEMO, Eastern Illinois, Morehead State and Tennessee State were the last four teams in the poll.

The Lions will play a 32-game schedule under first-year head coach Phil Sayers. Lindenwood is set to open the season with a pair of games in Colorado, beginning with a matchup against Colorado State on November 2, followed by Danver on November 4. The home opener is November 7 against Evansville.


A 16-game Ohio Valley Conference slate begins on Wednesday, December 30 on the road at SIUE. The first home conference game is on January 2 against UT Martin.

Season tickets for the 2026-27 season are on sale now and can be purchased at lindenwoodlions.com/tickets or by calling 636-949-4433.

2026-27 Women's Basketball Predicted Order of Finish
1. Southern Indiana (8) – 122
2. SIUE (4) – 113
3. Western Illinois (1) – 85
4. UT Martin – 78
5. Lindenwood – 68
6. Southeast Missouri – 62
7. Eastern Illinois – 50
8. Morehead State – 41
9. Tennessee State – 29