Abilene Christian Women’s Basketball to Open Season

The team will tip off their campaign on November 2 against Howard Payne at Moody Coliseum.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Basketball

Abilene Christian Women’s Basketball to Open Season

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The Abilene Christian University women's basketball team is preparing to open its season on November 2, 2026, against Howard Payne. The squad aims to secure a United Athletic Conference championship and earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

The team is looking to build on a second-place finish from last season, focusing on defensive intensity and 3-point shooting efficiency to reach their postseason goals.

The roster features 10 returning players from last season. Newcomer Raimi McCrary joins the team after recording averages of 7.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in her previous season.

The players

Samara Morrow

She is a transfer student who joined the team from the College of Southern Idaho.

Raimi McCrary

She is a transfer from Incarnate Word who previously averaged 7.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.

The details

Veterans are leading daily drills to guide newcomers like transfers Samara Morrow and Raimi McCrary. The team spent the summer training in Greece and Rwanda, emphasizing defensive play and 3-point shooting to prepare for the upcoming schedule.

June 2026: Team began training activities.
July 2026: The team held two weeks of practice sessions.
August 2026: Players participated in two exhibition games in Greece.
November 2, 2026: Season opener against Howard Payne.
November 18, 2026: Scheduled game against Northwestern.

Season Trajectory

The team's current focus on integrating transfers follows a second-place finish in the WAC last year. This season serves as a pivotal push for the program to surpass that historical standing and secure an NCAA Tournament berth.

Fans can expect to see new additions Samara Morrow and Raimi McCrary featured in the rotation starting November 2. The team's performance against Howard Payne will serve as the first test for their updated defensive scheme.

The takeaway

The team is banking on a blend of returning veterans and new transfers to improve upon last year's performance. Consistent 3-point shooting and defensive discipline will be the primary metrics for success in the upcoming conference campaign.