Week 9 of Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Mid-Major Division Top 5 was static in that no new teams entered the rankings, but it was dynamic, as there was a great deal of shuffling, with 4 of the 5 teams changing positions.
5 Langston Lady Lions (24-5, 18-4)
The Lady Lions tumbled down the rankings, falling from No.2 the previous week. The Lions roared into the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament on the strength of their second consecutive regular season title. However, their time in the tournament was short-lived, as the No. 1 seed Lady Lions were stunned in the opening round by No. 8 seed Texas Wesleyan. With their shocking loss in the conference tournament, Langston’s ability to play at least one more game now lies in the hands of the NAIA Tournament selection committee.
4.Fayetteville State Lady Broncos (21-5,13-3)
Fayetteville State moves up one spot to 4th in this week’s rankings. The Lady Broncos advanced to the finals of the CIAA Tournament before losing to the prohibitive favourite, Winston-Salem State 60-43. Fayetteville State is currently ranked No. 5 in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region. Their postseason fate will be revealed on Selection Sunday.
3.Miles Lady Golden Bears (22-5, 20-4)
The Lady Golden Bears of Miles College moved up to third in the weekly rankings. Miles entered the SIAC Tournament as the number one seed out of the Western Division and defeated Allen in the quarterfinals to advance to the next round. The Lady Golden Bears will face Clark Atlanta in the semifinals.
2. Edward Waters Lady Tigers (23-4, 21-3)
Edward Waters rose a spot in the form from the previous week. The Lady Tigers claimed the SIAC Eastern Division regular season crown and entered the conference tournament on a 14-game winning streak. They face Albany State in the opening round.
1 Winston-Salem State Lady Rams (26-3, 14-2)
The Lady Rams of Winston-Salem State remain perched atop Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Women’s Mid-Major Top 5 rankings. WSSU completed its romp through the CIAA Tournament with a convincing 60-43 win over Fayetteville State in the title game, marking the first tournament crown in program history. Up next for the Lady Rams is the NCAA Division II Tournament; who and where they will be playing will be revealed on Selection Sunday.
Dropping Out: N/A
Receiving Votes: Bowie State Lady Bulldogs (19-8, 10-5) -33 Lane Lady Dragons (20-5, 19-5) -26 Oakwood Lady Ambassadors (16-8, 10-2) -24 Wiley Lady Wildcats ( 13-7, 9-3) -20 Paul Quinn Lady Tigers (14-10, 8-4) -15
