MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history, the Ripon College women's basketball team has earned the No. 16 ranking in the D3hoops.com 2026-27 Preseason Top 25, which was released Thursday.

The Red Hawks finished the 2025-26 season with a 26-3 overall record, capturing the Midwest Conference (MWC) regular-season and tournament championships while earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. Ripon went undefeated in conference play during the regular season, marking the first time in program history the team accomplished the feat.

Ripon opened NCAA Tournament play with a first-round victory over the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, advancing to the second round for a matchup against Concordia-Moorhead. The Red Hawks battled throughout the contest but ultimately fell 68-65, bringing their historic season to a close.

The Red Hawks' 26 victories marked a standout campaign under head coach Lauren Busalacchi, who earned D3hoops.com Region IX Coach of the Year honors. Ripon also continued its success within the Midwest Conference, extending the coaching staff's streak of MWC Coaching Staff of the Year honors to eight consecutive seasons.

Ripon is one of three Wisconsin-based programs featured in the preseason rankings, joining No. 6 UW-Oshkosh and No. 14 UW-La Crosse. Concordia-Moorhead, which defeated the Red Hawks in last season's NCAA Tournament, opens the 2026-27 campaign ranked No. 13.

Denison tops the preseason poll, followed by New York University and Scranton.

The D3hoops.com Top 25 is voted on by a panel of 25 coaches, sports information directors and media members from across the country. The first regular-season poll of the 2026-27 season is scheduled for release Monday, Nov 23.

The Red Hawks begin their pursuit of another successful season with a spot among the nation's top 25 teams.

Ripon opens the 2026-27 season at home on Saturday, Nov 14, hosting St. Norbert College at 5pm inside the Willmore Center.

To see the full D3hoops.com preseason Top 25 release, click here.