2026 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball East Regional Preview

The 2026 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball East Regional features eight teams competing for a spot in the Elite Eight, with regional play hosted by Southern Connecticut State University. The field includes conference champions and at-large selections from three of the strongest leagues in the region — the Northeast-10 Conference (NE10), Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC), and East Coast Conference (ECC).

East Regional Seeds

1. Southern Connecticut State University

2. Bentley University

3. Daemen University

4. Assumption University

5. Holy Family University

6. Felician University

7. Mercy University

8. Saint Michael's College

First-Round Matchups

(1) Southern Connecticut State vs (8) Saint Michael's
Southern Connecticut State enters the regional as the top seed after an impressive season in the NE10. The Owls have been one of the most consistent teams in the region, combining strong defense with balanced scoring across the roster. Saint Michael's earned its way into the field out of the NE10 and brings a physical style of play that focuses on rebounding and half-court execution. For the Purple Knights to challenge the top seed, they will need to slow the pace and control the boards.

(2) Bentley vs (7) Mercy
Bentley University enters the tournament as one of the region's perennial contenders and an experienced postseason team. The Falcons rely on disciplined defense and efficient offensive execution, traits that have defined their success in the NE10 for many years. Mercy University represents the ECC and brings athleticism and defensive pressure into the matchup. Mercy will look to disrupt Bentley's offensive rhythm and create scoring opportunities in transition.

(3) Daemen vs (6) Felician
Daemen University secured the third seed following a strong season in the ECC. The Wildcats play with pace and rely on strong perimeter shooting and balanced scoring to pressure opponents offensively. Felician University enters the regional after capturing the CACC Championship and will carry momentum from that historic conference tournament run. Felician's defensive intensity and ability to execute in close games make them a dangerous opponent despite the lower seed.

(4) Assumption vs (5) Holy Family
Assumption University represents another strong NE10 program and brings a disciplined defensive approach into the tournament. The Greyhounds are known for structured offensive sets and strong rebounding. Holy Family University earned its place in the regional after an impressive season in the CACC and relies on physical defense and efficient half-court scoring. This matchup projects to be one of the most competitive games of the opening round.

Felician's Path to the Elite Eight

Felician University opens the NCAA East Regional with a first-round matchup against Daemen University. The Golden Falcons will look to rely on the defensive intensity and balanced scoring that fueled their CACC Championship run.

If Felician advances, the Round of 32 would likely feature Bentley University or Mercy University. A win there would send the Golden Falcons into the regional semifinal — the Sweet Sixteen — where several potential matchups could await.

The Sweet Sixteen could feature notable rematches for Felician. A meeting with Holy Family University would mark another matchup between the two teams after their overtime battle in the CACC Championship. A matchup with Assumption University would present a strong Northeast-10 opponent known for its defensive structure. Southern Connecticut State University or Saint Michael's College could also emerge from the top side of the bracket to reach the regional final.

Felician will rely on a balanced core led by Stephanie Formby, Ane Valle, and Karla Barreno. Formby serves as the team's primary scoring option and rebounder, while Valle provides playmaking and scoring from the guard position. Barreno adds an important perimeter dimension with her ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from beyond the arc.

Inside, Lilla Szilvassy and McKenzie Palek help anchor the frontcourt and backcourt connection, with Palek's strong basketball IQ and playmaking ability allowing her to create open looks for teammates while managing the offense effectively.

Depth will also play a key role throughout the regional, with contributions expected from Katherine Ritchie, Deviney Jackson, and other key rotation players off the bench. With momentum from its CACC Championship victory and a roster that has produced strong offensive and defensive numbers throughout the season, Felician enters the regional with an opportunity to compete for a berth in the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Elite Eight.