JACKSON, Mich. – The Crossroads League announced its 2026-2027 Women's Basketball Preseason Poll and Preseason All-League Team on Wednesday, as voted on by the league's head coaches. Marian was tabbed second for the second year in a row, with two athletes on the Preseason First Team and one on the second team.

Saint Francis was voted as the preseason favorite, after going 30-5 overall last season with a 15-3 league mark. The Cougars (14) were followed in the poll's top-five by Marian (18), Indiana Wesleyan (24), Spring Arbor (33), and Huntington (38). 

Marian finished first in both the regular season and the tournament, with Saint Francis finishing second and Indiana Wesleyan finishing third in both the regular season and the Crossroads League tournament. Marian finished their historic season last year, defeating the two-time defending national champion Dordt 73-61 to win the 2026-27 NAIA National Championship for the third time in school history. The Knights carried a record of 35-2 overall on the year and 16-2 in Crossroads League play. 

In addition to the preseason poll, the league released the preseason first and second teams in the league. Both Taylor Double and Madisyn Bailey were tabbed to the Crossroads League preseason first team, while Olivia Faust was named to the second team. Bailey was named to the NAIA Tournament first team after the National Tournament, as well as the Crossroads League second team and defensive team. Double was named to the NAIA All-American third team as well as the Crossroads League first team after her performance last year. Rounding out the Knights, Faust was named to the Crossroads League second team last season. 

Marian will open up their season on Monday, October 26th as they travel to Rochester Hills, Mich. to take on Rochester Christian at 7 PM. They will also continue opening week, traveling down to Bloomington to take on Indiana University on October 28th. The Knights round out the week in Montgomery, Ala., taking on Faulkner University and William Carey University on Friday, October 30th and Saturday, October 31st.