Wheeling, W. Va. - The Wheeling University women's basketball team opens its 2026-27 campaign on Monday night when it welcomes Walsh University to the Alma Grace McDonough Center. The Cardinals enter year two under head coach Ella Skeens after finishing 17-12 last season and earning the No. 6 seed in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) Tournament. Wheeling will look to build on that success, but Monday's season opener presents an early challenge against a Walsh team that also won 17 games last season and advanced to the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) Tournament semifinals.

One of the biggest questions surrounding the Cardinals entering the new season is what the team will look like without Kenzie Dalton. The senior was the centerpiece of the Wheeling lineup a year ago, leading the team in scoring and rebounding while accounting for nearly half of the Cardinals' assists and steals. Dalton also earned MEC Defensive Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive season, making Monday the first game in which that award will eventually go to someone other than her. Replacing that kind of production will not fall on the shoulders of just one player. Instead, Wheeling will need contributions from throughout its lineup, particularly when it comes to creating offense, controlling the glass, and generating turnovers defensively. How the Cardinals distribute those responsibilities could go a long way toward determining their ceiling this season.

While the roster has undergone some changes, Skeens enters her second season with a foundation already in place. She guided Wheeling to 17 wins and a conference tournament appearance in her first year, with the Cardinals earning a first-round bye before falling to eventual champion Charleston in the quarterfinals. With a year of experience in Skeens' system, Wheeling will look to take another step forward. The return of contributors like Emi Sierra Lacosta, Emma Reynolds, and Layla Merriweather gives the Cardinals some familiarity, while newcomers add depth and different options throughout the rotation. Against a Walsh team with considerable returning experience, establishing that chemistry early will be important.

Walsh presents a difficult opening-night test after putting together a 17-win campaign of its own last season. The Cavaliers advanced to the GMAC Tournament semifinals before falling to eventual conference champion Northwood. Head coach Johnny Montello brings back four starters from that group while adding two Division I transfers, giving Walsh a combination of experience and new talent. With that much continuity, the Cavaliers will enter Monday's matchup looking to pick up where they left off last season.

For Wheeling, Monday's opener will provide an early measuring stick for a team working to establish its identity without one of the most productive players in program history. The Cardinals will need a collective effort to offset Dalton's departure, while Walsh will look to use its returning experience to spoil the home opener. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center.