The Eastern Michigan University women’s basketball team played its final game of the 2025-26 season March 7, 2026, ending on a high note with a 77-62 win over the University of Akron. This season was full of action, milestones and accomplishments, and the Eagles finished strong as they look ahead to next year.
Four-game win streak
The Eagles opened the season with 10 nonconference games against teams including Michigan State University, the University of Detroit Mercy and Indiana University Bloomington. Eastern Michigan had great wins in the nonconference portion of the season, including a 70-39 win over Canisius University and a 96-44 win at home against Defiance College. Along with the big wins, there were also close losses, such as a 74-67 road loss to Indiana.
The Eagles went 6-4 across the 10 nonconference games, which included a four-game win streak they were on from late November to the middle of December. Senior Sisi Eleko played a major role in the Eagles’ early success. Eleko managed to record a double-double in six of the 10 games, with her main categories being points and rebounds. Her talent was crucial in tight games, such as in the 74-72 win over Duquesne University, during which she recorded 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Another player who played a crucial role was Ainhoa Cea, a senior guard for the Eagles. Cea created opportunities for the other Eagles, as she led the team in assists in nine of the nonconference games.
Conference battles
The Eagles had their first game of the conference slate on the road against Ball State University. The game was a back-and-forth battle between the teams that ended in a 78-74 loss for Eastern despite Fernanda Ovalle playing hard to keep the Eagles within reach of the win. Ovalle led the team in points, rebounds and assists. Ovalle scored 22 points, which was the first of three straight games of 20 or more points for her.
Eastern Michigan had a tougher time in the second half of the season, ending with a conference record of 6-12. Although the conference portion of their schedule did not go as well as the nonconference, there were certainly moments of growth and perseverance. For example, the Eagles showed heart in their game against the University of Toledo. Eastern was down 56-50 going into the fourth quarter but went on to outscore the Rockets 26-15 in the final quarter of play, bringing them a win with a final score of 76-71. It was an excellent game for Peyton Hill. Hill scored 25 points, shooting at a field goal percentage of 61.5%, as well as going 8-of-8 at the free-throw line.
Overtime
The Eagles also played a late-season nonconference matchup against Arkansas State University at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. The game was a close contest and went into overtime. The Eagles once again showed that they are built for the long haul and outscored the Red Wolves in overtime to win the game 76-73. Hill scored a season high 27 points, and Eleko was the game's rebounding leader, securing 15.
Looking ahead to next season
Despite not making it to the Mid-American Conference tournament, Eastern Michigan was able to beat Akron in its last game of the season, ending the season on a high note as the team heads into the offseason.
Eleko was a star in her senior season. She finished as the No. 2-ranked player for points per game in the MAC, as well as being first in rebounds. Her mix of intensity and consistency earned her multiple MAC Player of the Week awards.
Cea also ended up being a leader in the MAC, finishing as the No. 2-ranked player for assists.
Although the seniors will not be returning, several notable players will be returning for the next season. Freshman Hill had the second-highest PPG on the team, averaging 14.6. Hill had a great season and ended as the MAC Freshman of the Year. Ovalle was another one of the highest performers for the team's offense, averaging 12.4 points per game across the season, shooting at a 39.1%.
Two upcoming freshmen are guard Oliwia Pelka and forward Alli Zajac. Pelka played in 25 games this season, while Zajac played in 23. With valuable game experience already under their belts, both are positioned to take on more significant roles next season.
Eagles head coach Sahar Nusseibeh is looking to remain with the program. Nusseibeh has found success throughout her coaching career and was named to the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association “30 Under 30” list in 2016. Nusseibeh joined the Eagles coaching staff for the 2024-2025 season.
The Eagles finished 7-22 prior to Nusseibeh joining the coaching staff and improved to 13-16 this season. Overall, the Eagles have shown improvements and are set to have a great future under Nusseibeh as players, including Hill and Ovalle, are set to return for the 2026-2027 season.
