Lubbock Christian University women’s basketball enters the 2026-27 season with a perfect 4-0 historical record in the state of Hawaii, beginning their campaign at the Hoops in Hawaii Tip-Off Classic. As reported by Lubbock Christian Athletics, the Lady Chaps open against Winona State on Friday, October 30, at 11:55 p.m. CT at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletic Center on the Saint Louis School campus in Honolulu.
This trip marks the third time the program has visited Hawaii, but it is the first time they will use the islands as their season opener. The event is part of a broader tradition; this is LCU’s sixth consecutive appearance in a D2CCA Tip-Off event, a streak that has seen them compete in locations ranging from Montana to Missouri. For a program that has earned 10 NCAA Tournament appearances in its last 11 seasons of eligibility, these early-season showcases serve as a test for a roster balancing returners with fresh talent.
A Roster Built on Returning Production
Coach Steve Gomez is stepping into his 24th season with a significant advantage: continuity. The Lady Chaps are returning 10 players, including three starters. These returners aren’t just warm bodies; they accounted for 68.1% of the team’s scoring last year, totaling 1,408 of the 2,068 points scored during the 2025-26 campaign.
Leading that charge is senior Kennedy Chappell. A WBCA honorable mention All-American, Chappell is the engine of the offense, having averaged 15.3 points and 6.5 rebounds while leading the team in both assists (105) and steals (57). Beside her is sophomore Meg Meekins, the reigning LSC Freshman of the Year.
However, the continuity comes with a void. LCU lost players, including two full-time starters, Martie McCoy and Tia Johnson. The loss of McCoy is particularly felt in the playmaking department; she started all 31 games last year and finished second on the team with 95 assists. Replacing the loss of established starters, including significant backcourt playmaking and scoring, is the primary challenge for Gomez as the team transitions from a 23-8 finish last season to a new campaign.
The Freshmen Factor
To fill those gaps, Gomez has integrated four newcomers. The most immediate impact is expected from Kambrie Graser. The addition of a 6-foot-3 post player provides interior size for a bracket-style tournament.
The stakes for these newcomers are high. While LCU is known for how they finish—having a storied postseason history—their starts are more volatile. The program is 11-8 over its last 19 season openers. For the freshmen, the purpose of this trip is to compete in a neutral-site environment to see who can handle the speed of Division II basketball before the Lone Star Conference schedule tightens.
Winona State’s Rebounding Edge
The opening opponent, Winona State, presents a specific tactical headache for LCU. The Warriors return 11 players and three double-digit scorers, including senior Vivica Bretton, who averaged 11.7 points and led her team with 3.3 assists. While they lost their leading scorer, Hailey Markworth, they bring a formidable presence on the glass.
| Metric | Winona State (Last Season) | LCU (Last Season) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 17-13 | 23-8 |
| Avg. Rebounds Per Game | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Rebounding Margin | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| 3-Point Percentage | Not Specified | Not Specified |
LCU’s ability to dictate the tempo in a neutral setting may be the deciding factor.
The Pursuit of 600 Wins
Beyond the X’s and O’s, this season is a milestone hunt for Steve Gomez. With 576 career wins, Gomez is currently the sixth-best active head coach in Division II by win percentage (.777). If he reaches 600 wins this season, he would become only the 14th coach in NCAA women’s basketball history to hit that mark within 24 seasons or less.
While Gomez is currently tied with former West Texas A&M coach Bob Schneider for the most 20-win seasons at a single Texas university, the possibility of becoming the first NCAA Division II coach to have 20 such seasons adds scrutiny to early-season games.
The road ahead is determined by Friday’s result. A win against Winona State puts LCU in a Saturday matchup against the winner of Hawaii Pacific vs. Western Colorado. A loss sends them to the consolation bracket. For a team that has dominated its history in the islands, the goal is to keep the streak alive and set the tone for a season that could redefine the program’s record books.
