SWOSU Women's Basketball tips off a new season this weekend, hosting the annual GAC/MIAA Crossover inside the Pioneer Event Center. The Lady Bulldogs will open the 2025-26 campaign against Rogers State on Friday before facing Northeastern State on Saturday.

The same two opponents opened SWOSU's season a year ago when Rogers State hosted the event. The Lady Bulldogs earned wins in both contests — defeating Rogers State 71-60 and Northeastern State 64-55. Of this year's returning players, only Maebry Shields and Rees Berkey appeared in those games, combining for eight total points.

Friday's matchup will mark just the second all-time meeting between SWOSU and Rogers State, following last year's inaugural meeting. Against Northeastern State, the Lady Bulldogs have won the last four matchups but trail 14-22 in the Division II era.

Head Coach Jeff Zinn enters his fourth year leading the Lady Bulldogs. Last season, SWOSU finished 16-13 overall and 12-10 in GAC play, earning the five seed and a trip to the GAC tournament before falling to fourth-seeded Southeastern Oklahoma State in the quarterfinals. The Lady Dawgs were voted the No. 3 seed in this season's GAC preseason poll for a second consecutive year.

This season will feature a mostly new-look Lady Bulldogs squad. Ten newcomers — six freshmen and four transfers — join just five returners from last year's team. The returning group combined to average only 6.4 minutes per game in 2024-25, with none averaging more than 10.

Maebry Shields returns for the Lady Dawgs after appearing in 28 games last season, averaging 2.5 points per game on over 40% shooting in limited action. The Lady Bulldogs also welcome three Division I transfers: Kiara Smith (Lindenwood), Elle Papahronis (San Francisco), and Landry Allen (Oklahoma). Additionally, Payten Conde joins the squad from GAC rival Oklahoma Baptist, adding more experience and depth to the roster.

Last season, the Lady Bulldogs ranked eighth in NCAA Division II in turnovers per game (12.4) and 12th in turnover margin, averaging a +6.38 advantage.

SWOSU has 27 games on the schedule, 15 of which will be played in the familiar confines on the PEC. After opening with the first four games at home, the Lady Dawgs will travel to Eastern New Mexico for their final non-conference game before traveling to Searcy to face off against currently nationally ranked No. 25 Harding Lady Bisons in the GAC opener.

Should the Lady Dawgs finish inside the top eight of the regular season conference standings, they will take part in the GAC Tournament held March 5-8 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.