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A graphic shows a ticket surrounded by multiple Eastern Arizona College EA Shield logos. The ticket includes the text “EAC Women’s Basketball,” “Ticket Punched,” and “NJCAA National Championship.”
Posted: Mar 16, 2026

EAC Women’s Basketball Earns No. 2 Seed for NJCAA National Championship Tournament

THATCHER, Ariz. — The Eastern Arizona College women's basketball team is headed back to the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship after earning the No. 2 overall seed in Monday's national selection show. The announcement follows a remarkable season in which the Gila Monsters remained inside the national top five from start to finish and climbed to No. 1 in the country on February 9.

EAC completed an undefeated regular season and secured the ACCAC Conference Championship, showing the consistency and balance that defined their play throughout the year. Their postseason run was interrupted last Wednesday in the Region I and West District Championship, where they fell to Arizona Western, now ranked No. 17 nationally. The loss removed the automatic bid from reach, but the team's successful season record left a strong impression on the selection committee, resulting in a well-earned at large bid.

With the bracket finalized, Eastern Arizona will travel to Lake Charles, Louisiana for the national tournament at The Townsley Law Firm Arena. As the No. 2 seed, the Monsters receive a first round bye and will open play in the second round on March 26. Their opponent will be the winner of Grayson College and Southwestern Illinois.

This marks the third straight year that Eastern Arizona has reached the national championship tournament, adding 2026 to appearances in 2024 and 2025. The program now turns its attention to preparation for Lake Charles, where the Monsters will look to extend their postseason run on the national stage.

 

Promotional poster for Eastern Arizona College women's basketball. The design features multiple players in white and purple 'Monsters' uniforms in action poses, arranged around a central image of a smiling coach. Large purple text in the background reads 'DANCIN DANCIN.' Tournament details on the poster state: 'Second Round, March 26, 12:15 PM, Townsley Law Arena, Lake Charles, LA.' Team matchups listed include Eastern Arizona #2, Grayson College #15, and Southwestern Illinois #18.