The Longwood Lancers women’s basketball team fell short of winning the Big South tournament and securing a bid to the NCAA tournament. However, they still participated in the Women's National Invitational Tournament, their first time in the postseason since their only NCAA tournament appearance in 2022. Picked seventh out of nine teams in the Big South preseason poll, the Lancers won 22 games this season, which is the second time in their Division I history they have reached the 20-win mark.
Defense was the identity of this team. Graduate Student guard Kiki McIntyre led the entire country in total steals and did so for most of the season. She was named Big South defensive player of the year and a member of the Big South all-conference second team. Sophomore guard Amor Harris was also named to the second team all-conference. She led the Lancers in scoring this season, averaging 11 points per game following the 2023-24 season, where she did not see much action.
Head Coach Erika Lang-Montgomery, in her third season with the program, turned nine wins from last season into 22. She was named Big South Coach of the Year behind her dominant defense. She implemented a full-court pressing style that flattened teams in the Big South and in the non-conference slate. The Lancers forced 24 turnovers per game, a figure that clearly left them full of confidence when they were set to play USC Upstate in the quarterfinals of the Big South Tournament.
Longwood’s defense completely suffocated USC Upstate in the Big South quarterfinals, surrendering only 37 points and forcing 32 turnovers. “We’ve been pretty consistent with [our defense] all year,” said Lang-Montgomery. “This is the time of the year when we need it to be at its best”
The Lancers faced in-state rival Radford in the semifinals and weathered the Highlanders’ three point barrage and won 73-65. Longwood was championship bound for a chance to play in the NCAA tournament. The Lancers would be pitted against one-seeded High Point.
Though the Lancers had the lead going into the fourth quarter in the championship game, the Panthers roared back and stole the game as Longwood only scored six fourth-quarter points. High Point won the game 59-53. “I am still incredibly proud of the young women I get to coach every day,” Lang-Montgomery said. “I am hopeful that maybe there is a chance we can continue to play in the postseason.”
Her wish became reality, as Longwood accepted an invitation from the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). The Lancers drew Duquesne University in round one. The Lancers played well in Pittsburgh, maintaining the lead throughout most of the game. However, Longwood saw their lead dwindle as the clock kept ticking. Duquesne hit a buzzer-beater to win 70-68, breaking Longwood hearts and ending their record-setting season.
With most of the team returning for next season, the future looks bright for the resurging Lancers. “I have a bunch of young women that like to compete… I love their competitive spirit,” Lang-Montgomery said. “I love who they are as people. These are high-quality women I get to spend time with every day.”
