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TYLER, TEXAS \u2013 UT Tyler women’s basketball is just a few days away from beginning their season as they head north to the D2 CCA Tip Off Classic at the Trailhead.
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\nLAST SEASON
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\nThe Patriots finished the year 25-5 overall and 20-2 in LSC play as they finished third in the LSC regular season standings. They would go on to make their third consecutive NCAA South Central Regional Tournament before bowing out in the first round to #6 seed West Texas A&M.
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\n“Last year, despite finishing early in national tournament, was a great season,” head coach Rebecca Alvidrez<\/a> said. “We were blessed to have great people like Meagan, Lovisa ,Ella and a few others. They did a great job leading and helping us shape this program into a national contender. Their commitment to UT Tyler resulted in a lot of wins, including an Elite 8 appearance.\u00a0They, along with several others, have helped put our program in a great position for future success, but with that comes an expectation for championship performance.”\u00a0
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\nFive different players recorded All-LSC honors, including Meagan Mendazona<\/a> who was a first team selection and was also named All-Region second team. Polina Latysheva<\/a> was named All-LSC Honorable Mention, and she will make her return to the Patriots.
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\nSOLID RETURNERS AND KEY NEWCOMERS
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\nThe Patriots welcome back All-LSC player Polina Latysheva<\/a>, as well as key contributors Mariah Neal<\/a>, Mileina Sablinskaite<\/a>, and KK Bass<\/a>. Sablinskaite played in all 30 games, averaging 20 minutes per game while shooting over 40% from the field and averaging 3.8 rebounds. Neal played in 26 games, picking up 34 steals while shooting 43% from the field. Bass played in 26 games as well, averaging 10 minutes per contest in key minutes off the bench.
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\nLatysheva played in all 30 games and made 29 starts in her efforts. She shot 41% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc while averaging 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals.
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\n“Mile, Mariah, and Poli do a great job leading the way every practice session. The new players naturally lean on their understanding and playing experience in the LSC to guide them early on. Mariah played a role in our Elite 8 run and both Poli and Mile are returning starters with a lot of experience. Every day, their teammates need to witness their effort, care, and commitment to the little things that go into winning.
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\nWe have a bunch of young ladies that have the potential to shine in their particular roles this season. Freshmen Leila Davis<\/a> and Hayley Cumming<\/a> will both be fun players to watch. They bring both talent and hustle to the court. Lilli Hakkarainen<\/a> is another player coming in with D1 and international experience. Patriot fans will love this freshmen class. Jorja Hart<\/a>‘s toughness and both Edit Merivirta<\/a> and Georgia Tomkins<\/a> have the potential to have a huge impact. Junior College transfer Nikolina Vukceiec can simply score. I love this group, and they will be a lot of fun to work with everyday.”
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\nTHE NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
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\nIn non-conference play, the Patriots will take on the DII CCA Tip Off Classic at the Trailhead, where they will play Colorado School of Mines, Mary, and Nebraska Kearney over three days of action. The following week, they head to Colorado for matchups with CSU Pueblo and Colorado Christian.
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\nThey will take on Jarvis Christian and Dallas Christian in their first home games on November 21 and 28, and will wrap up their non-conference slate with (RV) Adams State and Fort Lewis on December 17 and 18.
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\nThose games will feature five total RMAC opponents in what will likely play a huge role in helping shape their resume prior to the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament in March.
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\nTOUGH STRETCH
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\nThe LSC always features a tough slate, and the Patriots will face a five game stretch in LSC play that will rival teams across Division II. From January 22 through February 3, the Patriots will face #13 Lubbock Christian, (RV) West Texas A&M, Eastern New Mexico (made the Round of 32 last season), and #3 Texas Woman’s. The matchups with the Lady Buffs, Greyhounds, and Pioneers will each be on the road.
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\nBIG ATTENTION
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\nThe Patriots were ranked #3 in the LSC Preseason Poll and #20 in the WBCA Preseason Coaches Poll Top 25. The Patriots finished third in that LSC race last season and were #14 to close out the year in 2024-2025 in the WBCA Poll.
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\nUT Tyler will get their season underway this Friday as they take on Colorado School of Mines to begin a three game stretch at the DII CCA Tip Off at the Trailhead Classic in Billings, Montana. That game is set for a 3:30 MT\/4:30 CT tipoff at the Alterowitz Gym on the campus of MSU Billings.
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