SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Daniela López and Carmen Richardson of the East Tennessee State University Women's Basketball team were selected to the 2026-27 Preseason All-Southern Conference Team, and the program was voted fourth in the preseason coaches poll, the league announced Tuesday. 

López saw action in 26 of 31 games last season, averaging 8.9 points per game. She averaged 3.8 rebounds per game. 

The senior accumulated 232 points, 100 rebounds, 30 assists, 19 steals and two blocks in her junior season and made 39 three-pointers, 88 field goals and 17 free throws. 

López had a career-high 28 points in the 2OT victory over Chattanooga on Feb. 14.

She earned SoCon Second Team All-Tournament honors in the 2026 tournament after averaging 12.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in the two tournament games played and was a member of the 2025-26 Southern Conference Regular Season Championship team.

Richardson averaged 30.2 minutes, 8.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in the 2026-27 season and led the team in forced turnovers. She accumulated 254 points, 102 rebounds, 69 assists, three blocks and 40 steals. 

The junior had a career-high 21 points on Nov. 3 vs. Elon and recorded the game-winning shots in the 51-50 win over Charlotte and the 58-55 win at Furman.

She earned SoCon Second Team All-Tournament honors in the 2026 tournament after averaging 12.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in the two tournament games played was a member of the 2025-26 Southern Conference Regular Season Championship team while earning 2025-26 SoCon All-Defensive Team honors. 

East Tennessee State women's basketball was voted fourth in the coaches poll with 44 points and one 1st place vote. Last year's team was the 2025-26 Southern Conference Regular Season Co-Championship team, falling to Samford in the tournament Semifinals. 

The 2026-27 season officially begins against West Florida on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. at Brooks Gym.