Wheeling was picked eighth in the Mountain East Conference’s 2026-27 women’s basketball preseason poll after finishing sixth last season. The Cardinals will look to build around returning starters Emilia Sierra Lacosta, Layla Merriweather and Emma Reynolds as they pursue another tournament run under second-year coach Ella Skeens.

By the Numbers
  • Wheeling received 50 points in the 12-team preseason poll.
  • The Cardinals finished 17-12 overall and 12-8 in MEC play last season.
  • Wheeling allowed 59.2 points per game, the conference’s best defensive average.
  • Sierra Lacosta averaged 12.7 points per game; Merriweather averaged 10.8.
Yes, But

Wheeling returns key contributors, but two of its top starters are gone, including two-time MEC Defensive Player of the Year Kenzie Dalton. The Cardinals will need new leadership on defense while turning last season’s promise into a stronger conference finish.

What's Next

Wheeling opens the 2026-27 season at home against Walsh on Nov. 9, with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m.

Bottom Line

The eighth-place projection puts Wheeling in the middle of the pack, but its returning scorers and proven defense give the Cardinals a foundation to outperform expectations.