The Rice Owls women’s basketball team, with an impressive record of 11-3 and a conference mark of 1-0, is set to face off against the Florida Atlantic Owls, who currently stand at 6-7 and are 0-1 in conference play. The matchup will take place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. CT at the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena in Boca Raton, Florida.
Rice Owls’ Strong Start to 2026
Rice has begun the new year positively, concluding 2025 with a dramatic 70-68 victory over South Florida. In that game, Aniah Alexis led with 19 points and contributed six rebounds, while Dominique Ennis added 17 points. The victory showcased the team’s resilience as they battled back and forth in a closely contested match.
Weekly Honors
- Mylee Guinn earned American Conference Freshman of the Week, marking her first career conference accolade.
- Shelby Hayes received Honorable Mention recognition for her consistent play.
- Guinn has recently contributed notable performances, including scoring 10 points with three three-pointers against HCU.
Dominique Ennis’s Record-breaking Achievements
Dominique Ennis made headlines by becoming the program’s all-time leader in three-point field goals, surpassing Nicole Iademarco’s previous record of 198. As of now, Ennis has made 202 career three-pointers and set a single-season record with 80 last year. Additionally, she joined an elite group by surpassing 1,000 career points during an overtime win against Illinois State, ranking 22nd in program history with 1,027 points.
Perfect Performance by Victoria Flores
In a standout performance against Houston, Victoria Flores went 16-of-16 from the free-throw line. This achievement is the third highest in a game in Rice history, trailing only Holly Jones’s perfect night in 1985.
Series History with Florida Atlantic
This game marks the 13th meeting between Rice and Florida Atlantic. Rice holds an 8-4 edge in the series but has lost the last two matchups in Boca Raton. The most recent encounter ended in a decisive 72-39 victory for Rice in Houston.
Preseason and Non-Conference Insights
Rice’s non-conference schedule was formidable, featuring seven teams from last season’s postseason, including NCAA Tournament participants South Dakota State and Princeton. The Owls were also ranked third in the American Conference Preseason Coaches Poll.
Kudos to Hailey Adams
Hailey Adams received the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award, honoring her dedication to leadership and community service, highlighting the values pursued by Rice athletes.
Coach Lindsay Edmonds’s Milestone
In her fifth season, Coach Lindsay Edmonds has made a significant impact, being the fastest coach in the program’s history to secure a conference title. She has led the Owls to successive appearances in the American Conference Championship game, including a championship win in 2024.
