Women's Basketball 10/22/2026 11:00:00 AM Tyler Schueck

Women's basketball picked sixth in preseason poll

The season will begin on November 7 at home against Rutgers-Camden

NEWTOWN, Pa. – The Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) released its annual preseason women's basketball coaches' poll on Wednesday morning. Albright College was tabbed by its peers to finish sixth in the MAC Commonwealth standings.

MAC RELEASE OF COACHES' POLL

Messiah University, who won the regular season and postseason crown last season, were predicted as the top team in the Commonwealth with all eight first-place votes and 64 points. Widener University was picked to finish in second with 56 points, followed by York College at third with 43 points.

The Lions finished the 2025-26 season with an overall record of 10-15 and were 6-8 in conference play. Under first-year head coach Steven Lanpher, the Lions will look to make a return trip to the conference postseason after missing last year.

"Our expectations are high, and we are excited about the opportunity in front of us," said Lanpher. "I believe in the character and competitive spirit of the program and fully expect to compete strongly within our conference. Our success will be built on our discipline, togetherness, and a commitment to getting better on a daily basis. We are not here to simply compete – we are here to raise the standard, challenge expectations and take this program to new heights."

The team has nine returners from last season, led by Chrisdin Jones, Kenedy Cooper, Gigi Serrano, and Julia Parmalee. The quartet combined to start 68 games, while accounting for an average of 40.6 points and 21.2 rebounds per game.

Also returning this season is the backcourt group of Mara Johnson, Devon Sonzogni, and Haley Davis. Ciarra Gibbs and Natalie Hoffman will return to the front court this season. The Lions boast a handful of newcomers, including transfers Yonique Reynolds and Serenity Ritchie. The first-year class of Aubrey Mobley, Crystal Hawthorne, Jah'Kyra Rodman, Saydi Daye, and Zoe Thompson will be looked upon to contribute this season.

"Pre-season polls are fun for the media and fans, but ultimately, they don't mean much once the ball is tipped," said Lanpher. "The final standings will be determined by play on the court. We are excited, confident and looking forward to the challenge. I believe if we stick together and work hard, we will have a great chance to create a special ending."

The Lions will play a full slate of 25 games, including 11 on their home court. The season begins at home against Rutgers-Camden on Saturday, November 7. They will open MAC Commonwealth play on the road with York on Wednesday, December 2.

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Players Mentioned

#24 Kenedy Cooper: G; 5' 6"; Senior

#21 Haley Davis: G; 5' 10"; Junior

#14 Ciarra Gibbs: F; 5' 10"; Junior

#44 Natalie Hoffman: F; 5' 11"; Junior

#10 Mara Johnson: G; 5' 4"; Senior

#5 Chrisdin Jones: G; 5' 9"; Junior

#3 Gigi Serrano: G/F; 5' 9"; Senior

#12 Devon Sonzogni: G; 5' 7"; Graduate Student

#0 Yonique Reynolds: G; 5' 5"; Senior

#2 Aubrey Mobley: G; 5' 6"; First Year

Players Mentioned

#24 Kenedy Cooper
: 5' 6"; Senior
: G

#21 Haley Davis
: 5' 10"; Junior
: G

#14 Ciarra Gibbs
: 5' 10"; Junior
: F

#44 Natalie Hoffman
: 5' 11"; Junior
: F

#10 Mara Johnson
: 5' 4"; Senior
: G

#5 Chrisdin Jones
: 5' 9"; Junior
: G

#3 Gigi Serrano
: 5' 9"; Senior
: G/F

#12 Devon Sonzogni
: 5' 7"; Graduate Student
: G

#0 Yonique Reynolds
: 5' 5"; Senior
: G

#2 Aubrey Mobley
: 5' 6"; First Year
: G