Baltimore, Md. (Nov. 1, 2026)--The Morgan State women's basketball team will open its season Monday, Nov. 2, at 11 a.m. at Hill Field House against Washington Adventist. After months of preparation, the Lady Bears are ready to showcase their talent as they begin a new season.
 
Head Coach Nadine Domond will begin her second year with the team, bringing added experience and familiarity with her players as the Lady Bears enter the season with high expectations.
 
However, this year's team will have a different look as the Lady Bears have spent the preseason adjusting to one another, building chemistry and learning Domond's system.
 
"We have 12 new girls coming into the program this season, so there's been a lot of adjustment," Domond said.
 
With new faces, returning players will play an important role in helping the team adjust. One of those leaders is graduate point guard Mihjae Hayes, who was named to the 2026-27 MEAC Preseason Watch List.
 
For Hayes, the recognition comes with added motivation as she potentially enters her final season at Morgan State.
 
"It means a lot to me to be on the preseason watch list," Hayes said. "This is potentially my last year, so I have to give it everything I have and live up to the expectations."
 
Hayes has been with the program for several years and has developed an understanding of what Domond expects from her players.
 
"Mihjae has been here for a while, so she understands the program," Domond said.
 
As a point guard, Hayes has embraced her role as both a vocal leader and someone who leads by example. She understands the importance of communicating with her teammates and helping set the tone on the court.
 
"I've been with my coach for years, so I know what she's expecting, and I can show my teammates the way," Hayes said.
 
With the season approaching, Hayes believes the team's preparation and willingness to buy into Domond's system will be important to its success.
 
The Lady Bears also have goals set beyond the regular season. The team's goals include competing for a MEAC championship and earning an opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament.
 
For Domond, the support of the Morgan State community will also be an important part of the season. As the Lady Bears begin a new campaign with a new roster, she wants fans to be part of the journey.
 
"We want fans to show out for us this season," Domond said.
 
As the season opener approaches, the Lady Bears are entering the year with a mix of new faces, experienced leadership, as well as high expectations. Monday's matchup against Washington Adventist will give Morgan State its first opportunity to show what this team can accomplish.
 
The Lady Bears will be entering a season built on new faces, returning leadership, as well as high standards. Monday's game will be the first opportunity to turn preparation into the start of something even bigger.
 
 
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 baccalaureate, master's degree, doctorate and certificate programs. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.