MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - All roads lead to the Cage Arena, as Women's Basketball looks to make their mark in the 2026 Southern Athletic Association Conference Tournament, beginning with a first-round meeting against Oglethorpe on Thursday. 

The Vikings come into the tournament riding high as they have won 8 out of their last 10 games to earn the fifth seed in this year's field. The Vikings closed out the regular season as the best statistical defensive team in the conference, allowing just 55 points per game to opponents.  

Offensively, Elly Callihan and Briaiah Lewis have been a two-headed monster on the interior, combining for over 23 points and 8 rebounds per game for the Vikings. On the outside, Lauren Ellard, Callie Jackson, and Jade Lewis have emerged as strong options on the wings for the Vikings both offensively and defensively. Running the show is freshman standout Avery Payne, who averages nearly 5 points, 3 rebounds, and just over one assist per game, while also providing tenacity on defense. 

Despite splitting this season against the Stormy Petrels, the Vikings dominated the last meeting at home, winning 71-49. Lauren Ellard scored a season-high 20 points, while Lewis (14 pts) and Callihan (12 pts) combined for 26 points. In the first meeting, the Vikings lost on the blacktop to the Stormy Petrels, 44-48. The difference in those two games was the rebound and three-point shooting numbers, with Berry out rebounding Oglethorpe 35-25 and shooting 61.5 % from three in the second meeting and Oglethorpe controlling the glass in the first meeting 42-33 and holding the Vikings to just 12.5% from the three-point line. 

Tip-off is set for 12 PM EST on Thursday, February 26, with the winner of the first-round game set to advance to take on the one seed in the Trinity Tigers on Friday, February 27 at 12 PM. 

For all things SAA Women's Basketball Tournament, Visit SAA Championship Central.

See Bracket Below: