2026 NEC Women's Basketball Schedule Unveiled
The 2026 Northeast Conference women's basketball schedule has been released, and the Le Moyne College Dolphins are set for a demanding 16‑game conference slate. The announcement marks the start of a season that blends early road tests with a series of home fixtures, promising competitive matchups across the league.
The Dolphins open conference play at home against Mercyhurst on January 2, a game that will set the tone for the campaign. The early road stretch follows with visits to Central Connecticut State on January 7 and Stonehill College on January 9, before the team returns to face FDU on January 14 and Wagner College on January 16.
Conference Play Begins
Mid‑January brings a trio of home games, including a showdown with LIU on January 23 and a later meeting with Central Connecticut on February 11. The schedule also features a final home game against Chicago State on February 20, providing a chance for the Dolphins to finish the regular season on a high note.
The regular season concludes with a road trip to Mercyhurst on March 4, after which the team will shift focus to the NEC tournament. The championship will feature an eight‑team field, with quarterfinals on March 8, semifinals on March 11 and the title game on March 14.
Tournament Outlook
The tournament’s structure means the top eight teams qualify, and the champion earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. If Mercyhurst or New Haven win the championship, the runner‑up will take the automatic spot; if both reach the final, an “AQ Qualifier” game between the two semifinal losers will determine the team that secures the NEC’s NCAA berth.
Beyond the on‑court action, the schedule underscores the growing visibility of women's basketball in the region, with each matchup offering fans a chance to follow the Dolphins’ pursuit of conference dominance and a potential NCAA tournament appearance.