SILVER CITY, N.M. – Western New Mexico University women's basketball enters the 2026-27 season ranked 16th in the Lone Star Conference (LSC) Preseason Poll, while sophomore point guard Jordan Sapien (El Paso, TX/Pebble Hills High School) earned recognition as one of the conference's Players to Watch following a standout freshman campaign.

The Mustangs received 109 points in the preseason poll, placing them 16th in the 17-team conference. Texas Woman's claimed the top spot with 828 points and 31 first-place votes, followed by West Texas A&M (794), UT Tyler (755), Lubbock Christian (743) and Eastern New Mexico (644).

Western New Mexico enters the upcoming season focused on building momentum and taking the next step in its development. Following a challenging 2025-26 campaign, the Mustangs will look to turn last season's experience into progress as they prepare for another competitive year in the LSC.

One of the bright spots from last season was the emergence of Sapien, who quickly established herself as a key contributor during her first year with the program. The El Paso, Texas, native led the Mustangs in scoring, averaging 13.7 points per game while adding 3.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists across 24 appearances, including 23 starts. She finished the season with 329 points, 85 rebounds, 80 assists and a team-leading 50 steals. Her standout freshman campaign earned her All-LSC Freshman Team and All-LSC Honorable Mention recognition.

Sapien elevated her production during conference play, averaging 15.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists across 19 LSC contests. Now entering her sophomore season, she will look to build on that success and continue developing as a leader for the Mustangs. Her scoring ability, playmaking and defensive presence will be key as Western New Mexico looks to establish consistency and make strides during the 2026-27 campaign.

With another year of collegiate experience, Sapien will be a central piece of the Mustangs' efforts to establish consistency and develop their identity on both ends of the floor. Her preseason recognition reflects the impact she made as a freshman and the expectations surrounding her continued development.

West Texas A&M junior guard/forward Kerbie Cash was named the LSC Preseason Player of the Year, while players from across the conference earned recognition on the Players to Watch list.

As the 2026-27 season approaches, Western New Mexico will look to embrace a fresh opportunity, build chemistry and compete with greater consistency throughout conference play. With Sapien returning to lead the way, the Mustangs will aim to translate last season's lessons into growth and establish a stronger foundation for the future.
  Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (X, TikTok & Instagram).