CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Austin Peay State University women’s basketball team is set for an exciting moment in their history. They’ve received an invitation to the 2026 Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) and will face UTRGV in their first match on Thursday at 6 p.m. at F&M Bank Arena.
This marks a significant milestone: it’s Austin Peay’s debut in the WNIT, and their first chance for postseason play since 2022, when they participated in the Women’s Basketball Invitational.
With a season record of 19-13 and an 8-10 finish in the ASUN Conference, the team secured the eighth spot and advanced through the ASUN Tournament with impressive victories. They surprised top-seeded Eastern Kentucky with a 45-41 win in the quarterfinals and overcame Stetson 68-52 in the semifinals. This is their first time in a championship game since 2010 in the Ohio Valley Conference, where they ended as the runner-up against Jacksonville.
If the Governors triumph over the Vaqueros, they will move on to the second round, facing Illinois State between March 22-24. Keep an eye on the team’s progress through their social media on X and Instagram (@GovsWBB) or visit LetsGoPeay.com for the latest updates.
It’s exciting to see how the team’s hard work is paying off. In a recent survey, 75% of college women’s basketball players expressed the desire for more recognition and opportunities to compete at higher levels. Austin Peay’s journey can inspire other programs aiming for the postseason. Coaches and players alike are taking note; the potential for growth in women’s sports is enormous, and tournaments like the WNIT shine a spotlight on talent and perseverance.
