JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Edward Waters University Women's Basketball has delivered a historic regular season, finishing 23-4 overall and 21-3 in The SIAC, marking the best record of the NCAA era in program history and securing the 2026 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Eastern Division Championship.
The Lady Tigers punctuated their regular season with a decisive 53-41 road victory over Tuskegee University, extending their winning streak to 14 consecutive games entering postseason play. Edward Waters' defensive discipline and composure were on full display, limiting Tuskegee to 41 points while controlling the boards and tempo in a challenging road environment.
Graduate transfer Amelya Hatch provided a pivotal spark off the bench, leading all scorers with 16 points in an efficient and poised performance. Senior Shicira Fowles, the unquestioned "chairwoman of the boards," anchored the interior effort with 13 rebounds, reinforcing the Lady Tigers' physical dominance and defensive presence.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Eric Jackson, the Lady Tigers have rapidly emerged as one of the premier programs in the conference during Edward Waters University's early years of full NCAA Division II membership. Coach Jackson's culture-driven leadership, staff cohesion, and player development philosophy have elevated the program to historic heights in just the institution's second year competing at the Division II level.
"What Coach Eric Jackson, his staff, and our Lady Tigers have accomplished this season is extraordinary," said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Ashley Conner. "To secure the best record of the NCAA era, win the SIAC Eastern Division Championship, and enter postseason play on a 14-game winning streak in just our second year competing at the NCAA Division II level speaks volumes about the culture, preparation, and belief within this program. This team represents the competitive ascension of Edward Waters University. We are building something sustainable, disciplined, and championship-driven — and this season is a powerful affirmation of that trajectory."
Having earned the conference's best overall record, the Lady Tigers have secured a first-round bye in the upcoming SIAC Basketball Tournament, which begins February 28.
Edward Waters will open tournament play on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the SIAC Tournament hosted in Morrow, Georgia, at the Clayton County Convocation Center in Metro Atlanta.
With the strongest résumé in the SIAC and a 14-game winning streak, the Lady Tigers are also positioned to potentially make their first appearance in the NCAA Division II Top 25 rankings in program and institutional history.
The Lady Tigers now turn their focus to postseason competition with championship aspirations and historic momentum.
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