2024-25 Recap
Scranton continued its dominance in the Landmark Conference by winning its 10th straight championship, and finished the season 29-2. It marked the eighth time in program history that Scranton had 29 or more wins. The Royals advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament before falling in a close 81-77 battle to the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Although both teams fell to Scranton in the conference playoffs, Catholic University and Elizabethtown College also made their mark in the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Jays finished the season 23-5 before falling in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Etown opened the tournament against Brockport, winning 98-67, then fell to Randolph-Macon 62-56.
Catholic put together an impressive 24-5 record. However, in the NCAA Tournament, the Cardinals were defeated in the first round, losing to SUNY Geneseo, 74-63.
PRESEASON COACHES POLL
The University of Scranton led the Landmark Conference Women's Basketball Preseason Poll, with 81 points and nine first-place votes. Catholic University followed with 73 points and one first-place vote, while Susquehanna University ranked third with 61 points. Elizabethtown College (59) comes in fourth, and following them is Drew University (51). Moravian University (36), Juniata College (33), Goucher College (23), Lycoming College (21), and Wilkes University (12) round out the poll.
Catholic University
Head Coach: Matt Donohue (17th Season) Team Titles: 3 (2012, 2013, & 2015) 2025-26 Projected Finish: 2nd
Team Outlook
Catholic University finished last season with an impressive 24-5 record and earned a No. 19 national ranking from D3hoops this preseason. They return leader Anna Scoblick, who won Defensive Player of the Year the previous season, and have added three key transfer additions—McKenna Karlson, Carly Catania, and Alexandra Falesto, as well as a strong freshman class.
Drew University
- Head Coach: John Olenowski (10th Season)
- Team Titles: 0
- Projected Finish: 5th
The Drew Rangers are coming off a strong season, finishing 15-12 and reaching the semifinals of the Landmark Conference Tournament a year ago. Returning forward Gianna Pica, a Second Team All-Conference selection, will lead an experienced squad. With three freshmen joining a mostly veteran roster, the Rangers are eager for another competitive year.
Elizabethtown College
- Head Coach: Veronica Nolt (11th Season)
- Team Titles: 0
- 2025-26 Projected Finish: 4th
Elizabethtown is coming off an impressive 23-5 season, including a dominant 16-2 mark in conference play, that ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Jays return several key upperclassmen who bring experience and leadership to the lineup.
Goucher College
- Head Coach: Oliver Ellison (1st Season)
- Team Titles: 0
- 2025-26 Projected Finish: 8th
Team Outlook
Goucher enters the season known for its explosive offense, averaging 90 points per game last year. With only four upperclassmen, the Gophers, under first-year head coach Oliver Ellison, feature a young but hungry roster.
Juniata College
- Head Coach: Marissa Molnar (2nd Season)
- Team Titles: 1 (2010)
- 2025-26 Projected Finish: 7th
Team Outlook
Juniata had a 10-15 season in 2024-25 and will need to replace standout forward Hailey Sherman, a Second Team All-Conference performer, and return four seniors — Emily McCann, Olivia Berg, Emma Coolidge, and Bri Bodtorf. With seven freshmen joining the roster, Juniata will look for the underclassmen to make a big impact this season.
Lycoming College
- Head Coach: Shane Rottier (2nd Season)
- Team Titles: 0
- 2025-26 Projected Finish: 9th
Team Outlook
Lycoming finished 4-21 a year ago and faces the challenge of replacing top scorer Meghan Dufner. The Warriors return key seniors Allison Fisher, Kami Abdo, Katie Bena, and Victoria Burton, who will anchor the team’s efforts.
Moravian University
Head Coach: Mary Beth Spirk (38th season) Team Titles: 1 ( 2019) 2025-26 Projected Finish: 6th
The Greyhounds return three starters from last year’s 6-19 squad. Senior guards Jayda Cartagena and Juliana Vassallo will lead the charge as the team looks to return to the Landmark Conference Tournament after missing it for just the third time in program history. Joining them is junior forward Grace Steffen, back from injury, as Coach Spirk and the Greyhounds prepare for a promising 2025-26 season.
University of Scranton
Head Coach: Ben O'Brien (4th Season) Team Titles: 13 (2007, 2008, 2013, 2015-24) 2025-26 Projected Finish: 1st
Scranton is coming off an outstanding 29-2 season that ended in the NCAA quarterfinals. The Royals set program records with 2,438 points and 638 assists while showcasing one of the Landmarks' most dynamic offenses in 2024-25. They return the Player of the Year, Kaci Kranson, who was also named a Preseason First Team All-American. Joined by Second Team All-Conference selections Elizabeth Bennett and Kaeli Romanowski, the Royals are determined to capture another championship this season.
Susquehanna University
- Head Coach: Gabby Holko (6th Season)
- Team Titles: 0
- 2025-26 Projected Finish: 3rd
Team Outlook
The River Hawks women’s basketball team finished the 2024-25 season with a solid 15-11 record, earning a spot in the Landmark Conference Tournament. Led by returning All-Landmark recipients Carly George and Julia Pinckert, as well as the return of Julia Roth. The development of key younger players, like juniors Annie Greek, Sydney Weyant, and Zoie Maffei, along with a strong recruiting class, has Susquehanna on the right track.
Wilkes University
- Head Coach: Al Berger (3rd Season)
- Team Titles: 0
- 2025-26 Projected Finish: 10th
Team Outlook
Wilkes returns a strong core of nine players, including six guards, two forwards, and one center, led by senior guard Yamirelis Matos, who earned All-Conference Honorable Mention honors a year ago. Senior Reagan Holden and junior Madison Olguin add valuable experience to a balanced backcourt, while senior center Madison Robel anchors the paint alongside promising underclassmen.
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