The Week 12 edition of Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Women’s Major Division Top 5 mirrors the previous poll, as no teams entered or exited the rankings. Stability defines this week’s list, with each program maintaining its position heading into postseason play.
No. 5 — Edward Waters Lady Tigers (23-6, 21-3 SIAC)
Edward Waters holds firm at No. 5 after a historic campaign. The Lady Tigers wrapped up the regular season at 23-4 overall and 21-3 in SIAC play—both program benchmarks since transitioning to the NCAA level. Their continued rise signals a program firmly trending upward.
No. 4 — Langston Lady Lions (24-6, 18-4 SAC)
Langston remains steady at No. 4 following another dominant year in the Sooner Athletic Conference. The Lady Lions secured back-to-back SAC regular season titles and returned to the NAIA National Tournament, reinforcing their consistency as a national contender.
No. 3 — Fayetteville State Lady Broncos (21-6, 13-3 CIAA)
Fayetteville State holds at No. 3 despite a CIAA Championship game loss. The Lady Broncos fell 60-43 to Winston-Salem State in the title game but did enough throughout the season to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II Women’s Tournament—keeping their postseason hopes alive.
No. 2 — Miles Lady Golden Bears (25-6, 20-4 SIAC)
Miles Athletics
Miles continues to occupy the No. 2 spot after capturing its third consecutive SIAC Tournament championship. The Lady Golden Bears’ sustained dominance in the conference secured them another automatic berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament.
No. 1 — Winston-Salem State Lady Rams (28-4, 14-2 CIAA
Winston-Salem State remains atop the rankings after capturing the CIAA Tournament title. The Lady Rams enter the NCAA Division II Women’s Tournament as a No. 3 seed, solidifying their status as the top team in this week’s poll and a legitimate threat on the national stage.
Final Word
Week 12 brings clarity more than chaos. With no movement in the rankings, the focus now shifts fully to postseason performance. The question isn’t who belongs—it’s who can deliver when it matters most.
