OAKWOOD WOMEN'S BASKETBALL 2026-27 SEASON PREVIEW, AMBASSADORS HAVE THEIR EYES SET ON WINNING HBCUAC CHAMPIONSHIP

10/24/2026 4:21:00 PM

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Oakwood University women's basketball coach Ronnie Abrams is hungry. And, so is his team.

A year after losing to Rust College in the semifinals of the HBCU Athletic Conference Championship, Abrams and company are back with the intent to finish the job.

"Our goal is to bring a championship back to Oakwood University," Abrams said.

The Ambassadors held a 50-35 lead over Rust College midway through the third quarter in last year's semifinal, but were outscored 39-21 the rest of the way and came of short in their quest to advance to the championship game.

Fortunately, Abrams and company plan to put themselves into a position for another shot this season.

It starts tonight when Oakwood opens the season at home against Washington Adventist University. Tipoff is at 7 inside Ashby Auditorium.

Last year's loss has fueled Abrams' resolve for this season.

"It bothered me the whole offseason," said Abrams, who was named HBCUAC Coach of the Year after leading the Ambassadors to their most wins in school history (17) and their first-ever division title. "When you get as close as we did and lose by a few points, that hurts. We can't wait to get in that position again. Hopefully, we'll handle it much better."

Speaking of better, Abrams believes his all-star center, junior Saniya Keys, one of 10 returners from last season, will be better this season.

Keys took the league by storm two years ago, earning HBCUAC Player of the Year honors while being named a first-team selection, Freshman of the Year and All-Defensive team. She averaged 19.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game.

Last season, however, opposing teams doubled and tripled team Keys and she averaged just 13.1 points and 8.9 rebounds.

"We need her to be dominant like she was as a freshman," Abrams said. "She'll be ready this year because she knows that's coming."

Kamaria Murray, who also plays volleyball, will be counted on to back Keys along with Jay'Lenia Thomas, Lydia Josiah, Shaniya Sanders, Maliyah Hughes and newcomer Takeriauna Mosley.

Murray averaged 13.3 points and 4.5 rebounds, in addition to 61 assists and 34 steals.

"We've got a good nucleus back," Abrams said. "We've had a good camp. We've got to develop our chemistry and define some roles. Once we establish those two things, we'll have a chance to be be as good as we've ever been."

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