D'Youville Women's Basketball Ranked Third in ECC Poll
The East Coast Conference coaches selected the Saints for the third position in the upcoming season rankings.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Basketball
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The D'Youville University women's basketball team has been ranked third out of nine teams in the East Coast Conference preseason coaches poll. The squad earned 59 points and one first-place vote in the conference-wide ballot.
Why it matters
The ranking reflects high expectations for a team looking to secure its first conference tournament victory. This preseason recognition highlights the squad's growth following their performance during the previous campaign.
The Saints recorded 8.2 three-pointers per game on 34.4% shooting during the 2025-26 season while securing 28.4 defensive rebounds per game. The team finished that campaign with a 10-15 overall record and a 7-9 mark in conference play.
The players
D'Youville University
This Buffalo-based institution operates an intercollegiate athletics program that competes within the East Coast Conference.
East Coast Conference
This NCAA Division II athletic conference coordinates schedules and championships for member institutions across the East Coast.
The details
Coaches from across the East Coast Conference cast their votes to determine the rankings based on team performance and potential. The program aims to build on their baseline statistics as they prepare for the start of the 2026-27 schedule.
Timeline
The East Coast Conference announced the poll on October 19, 2026.
The 2025-26 season saw the team finish with a 10-15 record.
The 2026-27 season marks the upcoming year of competition.
Season Trajectory
This preseason placement signals a shift in the program's standing within the league following their previous 10-15 campaign. Establishing a top-three spot forces opponents to adjust their expectations as the team targets their first conference tournament win.
Fans in Buffalo should watch for an increase in offensive production given the team's focus on three-point shooting and defensive rebounding. Reaching the third spot in the poll suggests the team is positioned to earn a higher seed in the conference tournament than in previous years.
The takeaway
The high preseason ranking highlights a competitive surge for the program heading into the 2026-27 season. Readers should monitor the team's early conference play to see if the squad can translate this coaching consensus into their first tournament victory.
Further reading
For more updates on local college hoops, visit the Buffalo Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Buffalo News.
Live Poll
Does a high preseason ranking accurately predict a team's success in the upcoming conference tournament?
