FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The West Liberty University women's basketball team has been selected seventh in the 2026-27 Mountain East Conference preseason poll, announced Tuesday during MEC Basketball Media Day at WesBanco Arena.

The Hilltoppers received 68 points in the poll, which was determined by a vote of the conference's 12 head coaches. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own teams.

Fairmont State was selected as the preseason favorite, earning five first-place votes and 113 points.

Charleston finished a close second with five first-place votes and 111 points. The Golden Eagles captured the 2026 MEC Women's Basketball Tournament championship. 

Glenville State claimed third place in the preseason poll with 101 points and the remaining two first-place votes. The Pioneers finished 24-7 overall and 16-4 in MEC play last season before competing in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional.

West Virginia Wesleyan (84 points) and Concord (77) rounded out the top five, followed by Frostburg State in sixth with 72 points, just ahead of West Liberty. Wheeling (50), West Virginia State (46), Shawnee State (32), Point Park (23) and Davis & Elkins (15) completed the poll.

West Liberty will look to make its mark in a competitive MEC race as the Hilltoppers prepare for the upcoming season. The Hilltoppers open the 2026-27 campaign Friday, Nov. 13, against California (Pa.) at McComb Fieldhouse in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.