The Vanguard University Lions women’s basketball team was selected as the preseason favorite in the Pacific West Conference for the 2026-27 season. The conference released its first basketball preseason polls on October 20, 2026, with women’s basketball polling announced first.
The Lions, defending PacWest regular season and tournament champions, received eight of the ten first-place votes and totaled 98 points to lead the poll. They topped second-place Point Loma by 15 points. Westmont was third with 82 points and one first-place vote, while Dominican also received one first-place vote but finished sixth with 58 points.
Last season, Vanguard won both the PacWest regular season and tournament titles and earned their first NCAA Tournament victory by defeating California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), before falling to Central Washington.
The Lions will open their 2026-27 schedule on the road against Montana State-Billings and Simon Fraser on November 13 and 14. Vanguard’s home opener is set for November 20 against Northwest Nazarene, followed by a rematch versus Central Washington on November 21.
CSB Take
Being chosen as the preseason favorite underscores Vanguard Lions women’s basketball status as the team to beat in the Pacific West Conference once again. Their dual conference championships and historic NCAA Tournament win last year have set a high bar for the upcoming season. The team’s early schedule, including key road and home games, will provide an early gauge of their championship defense. With established momentum, Vanguard looks poised to remain a dominant contender in the conference.
Source: Original report
