McNeese State University’s women’s basketball program, fresh off a Southland Conference regular‑season championship, has released its 2026‑27 schedule, a slate that blends tradition with new challenges. Coach Ashton Feldhaus, who has guided the team to back‑to‑back titles, described the upcoming season as "a celebration of our community and a test of our depth" during the announcement.
Opening the Campaign
The schedule kicks off on November 2 with an annual education game against Texas A&M‑Kingsville, a matchup that traditionally draws a packed house in Lake Charles. The team will then travel to face Grambling State on November 5 before returning home to take on Louisiana Tech on November 8, setting the tone for a demanding early stretch.
A highlight of the home slate is the December 3 showdown with Incarnate Word, the Southland Conference opener that will also serve as the first opportunity for the team to defend its regular‑season crown. The game is expected to draw significant regional attention, especially given the program’s recent momentum.
In‑State Battles and Road Tests
The schedule features five contests against in‑state opponents, including home games versus UL‑Lafayette on December 9 and a road trip to face LSU on November 10. Additional in‑state road games are slated at Tulane on November 16 and at Grambling State earlier in the month, ensuring that local rivalries remain a central focus.
Non‑conference road trips add further variety, with a visit to Southern Miss on November 18 and participation in the St. Pete Showcase from November 26‑28. The showcase will pit McNeese against College of Charleston and North Dakota State, providing exposure to diverse playing styles and competitive environments.
Championship Outlook
The regular season will culminate in the Southland Conference Championship, scheduled for March 8‑11 in Lake Charles. The event will bring together the conference’s top teams, and McNeese’s presence promises a home‑court advantage that could prove decisive as the team looks to translate its regular‑season success into tournament glory.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Coach Feldhaus emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that the 15 home games provide ample opportunities for fans to engage with the program. With a blend of experienced returnees and promising newcomers, the squad aims to maintain its upward trajectory and bring another championship banner to the university.