ORLANDO, Fla. - The Lynn University women's basketball team was selected to finish sixth in the 2026-27 Sunshine State Conference (SSC) Preseason Coaches Poll, as announced by the league office on Thursday afternoon.
 
The Fighting Knights received 62 points in the poll and enter the upcoming season under the direction of head coach Julia Tucker.
 
Embry-Riddle topped the preseason rankings with 18 points and five first-place votes, followed closely by Tampa with 20 points and three first-place votes. Eckerd and Nova Southeastern tied for third with 30 points apiece, while Florida Southern rounded out the top five with 44 points.
 
Lynn finished sixth, followed by Palm Beach Atlantic (66), Barry (74), Florida Tech (78), Rollins (82) and Saint Leo (91).
 
The Fighting Knights enter the 2026-27 campaign with a 15-player roster featuring a combination of experienced returners and newcomers.
 
Seniors Serena Baker and Trinity Mocadlo headline the veteran group, while graduate student Mikenzie Jones adds experience to the frontcourt. Juniors Karishma Ortiz and Katie Tiffan also return, joining sophomores Phantasia Lauriston, Dianka Hardisson, Tessa O'Leary and Emily Jean-Glaude.
 
Lynn welcomes six newcomers to the roster, including freshmen Jayah Peoples, Deborah Damoah, Aiyanna Smiley and Stephanie Vega, along with juniors Malayna Stevenson and Azjannie Culberth.
 
The Fighting Knights officially open their 2026-27 season on Monday, Nov. 9, when they welcome New College of Florida to the de Hoernle Sports Center for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff.
 
Lynn will then travel to Nashville, Tenn., for the GSC/SSC Crossover, facing Christian Brothers on Friday, Nov. 13, before taking on host Trevecca Nazarene on Saturday, Nov. 14.
 
The Fighting Knights begin conference play on Wednesday, Nov. 18, hosting Palm Beach Atlantic at 5:30 p.m. before traveling to Florida Tech on Saturday, Nov. 21.
 
Lynn's home conference schedule also features matchups against Tampa (Dec. 5), Embry-Riddle (Jan. 2), Eckerd (Jan. 16) and Nova Southeastern (Feb. 17).
 
The Fighting Knights will host the Lynn Holiday Classic on Dec. 19-20, facing Middle Georgia State and Daemen at 3 p.m. on consecutive afternoons.
 
Lynn concludes the regular season on Saturday, Feb. 27, hosting Florida Southern at 2 p.m.