WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.- The Winston-Salem State University women's basketball team will kick off 2026, taking on Virginia University of Lynchburg on January 2. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. inside the C.E. Gaines Center. 

Things to Know vs Virginia University of Lynchburg  
Location: Winston-Salem, N.C. (C.E. Gaines Center)
Date/Time: Friday, January 2| 5:30 p.m.
Media: Watch/Live Stats


Series Information vs Virginia University of Lynchburg  
This will be the second meeting between the Rams and Dragons. Last time, the Rams defeated the Dragons 71-44 on January 27, 2025. 

New Coaching Staff:
WSSU women's basketball enters a new era under the leadership of Coach Tierra Terry, no stranger to the CIAA as she was the head coach at Virginia Union. Coach Terry is also a graduate and former player for Winston-Salem State. She added coach Jessica Freeman and Dylan Anderson to her staff in the off-season.
 
Ram Returners:
The Rams brought back seven returners from last year's squad: sophomore Alana Biosse, junior Zion Dixon, and seniors Kierran Walker, Alexandria Warren, Jakaiya Mack, Chloe Williams and Jahmaria Miles.
 
Ram Newcomers:
During the off-season, WSSU welcomed in nine newcomers: freshman TaNiya Simms, Kloe Thompson, Taylor Simpson, Breonna Roaf, Amari Kilgore-Baldwin, sophomore Ah'Kiyah Pye, junior Neveah Farmer, senior Makayla Waleed and transfer sophomore Maia Charles.
 
CIAA Preseason/Polls:
The Lady Rams were selected to finish seventh in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) preseason poll.
Jakaiya Mack was named to the preseason team.

CIAA Weekly Awards 

• Ah'Kiyah Pye was named CIAA Rookie of the Week for week three. 
• Breonna Roaf was named CIAA Rookie of the Week for week four. 
• Ah'Kiyah Pye was named CIAA Rookie of the Week for week five. 
• Makayla Waleed was named CIAA Defensive Player of the Week for week six, while teammate Breonna Roaf was named CIAA Rookie of the Week. 

Last Time Out
The Rams defeated University of Mount Olive 86-50 on December 20. Maia Charles led the Rams with a double-double of 26 points and 10 rebounds, followed by Jakaiya Mack and Makayla Waleed with 12 points each.

Scouting Report:
The Rams are led in scoring by Maia Charles, averaging 14.8 points, followed by Makayla Waleed with 11.8 points WSSU is averaging 68.3 points per game. 

Virginia University of Lynchburg (0-7, 0-0 ODAC) 
The Dragons fell to Virginia Union 88-44 on December 15. DaNiya Warren McClure leads the Dragons in scoring with 12.5 points per game, followed by Lovely Tua Link with 11.0 points per game. VUL is averaging 50.5 points per game. 

Up Next
The Rams will resume conference play, hosting Bluefield State University on January 7. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. inside the C.E. Gaines Center.