Gonzaga Women’s Basketball: Schedule, Stats & Highlights
Gonzaga University women’s college basketball team has embarked on achieving great heights in the Women’s game with a continuous and robust performance in the WCC. This article focuses on the schedule and other achievements of the current season, statistics, key moments, and a closer look at players and destiny responsible for Gonzaga women’s basketball.
Overview of Gonzaga Women’s Basketball
The Gonzaga Bulldogs women’s basketball has had its course determined by Lisa Fortier, who started his coaching service in the Gonzaga Bulldogs team in 2009. This program has made the school make many appearances in the NCAA tournament and has many standout seniors who wish to play professional basketball. Gonzaga has remained a sporting institution and is firmly (encoded) committed to the production and preparation of its athletes and students academically, attracting and nurturing fresh, talented sporting personalities.
Current Season Schedule
The 2023-24 season features a competitive lineup for the Bulldogs. Here are some key games from their schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 14 | vs Numerica Fan Fest | Spokane, WA | W 35-25 |
| Nov 2 | vs Warner Pacific University | Spokane, WA | W 95-32 |
| Nov 6 | at Montana | Missoula, MT | W 83-70 |
| Nov 9 | at #24 Washington State | Pullman, WA | L 72-77 OT |
| Nov 12 | vs Toledo | Spokane, WA | W 91-70 |
| Nov 15 | vs North Florida | Spokane, WA | W 83-55 |
| Nov 18 | vs Wyoming | Spokane, WA | W 80-64 |
| Nov 24 | vs Liberty | Katy, TX | W 102-59 |
The Bulldogs have shown strong performances early in the season, with significant victories against teams like Toledo and North Florida. Their only loss came in an overtime thriller against Washington State, showcasing their ability to compete against ranked opponents.
Key Players and Statistics
Allie Turner
Strategically significant in this season of Bulldogs is Allie Turner, a freshman guard from California. She had been noted to tout scoring experience and was awarded the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Week, given her performance towards early games. Her performance includes:
- Points per game: Averaging around 9 points.
- Field goal percentage: Demonstrating efficiency with shooting percentages above 50%.
- Three-point shooting: Turner has also shown prowess from beyond the arc, hitting crucial three-pointers in tight games.
Yvonne Ejim
Another standout player is Yvonne Ejim, who has consistently led the team in scoring and rebounding. Her contributions include:
- Points per game: Averaging over 14 points.
- Rebounds per game: Contributing approximately seven rebounds.
- Defensive skills: Ejim’s defensive presence is vital for Gonzaga’s success; she often guards the opposing team’s best player.
Team Statistics
The Bulldogs’ overall team statistics reflect their offensive prowess:
- Average points per game: Approximately 80.
- Field goal percentage: Hovering around 48%.
- Assists per game: Averaging about 20 assists, showcasing their ball movement and teamwork.
Recent Highlights
The Gonzaga women’s basketball team has had several noteworthy moments this season:
- Strong Start Against Toledo: The Bulldogs had already demonstrated their scoring prowess against Toledo on November 12; in this game, they extended it by a score line of 91-70. This pointy game displayed their versatility and ability to take shots from different floor angles. It helps build up their confidence, especially on more challenging games next time.
- Dominance Over North Florida: After a stumble against Washington State, Gonzaga showed great spirit and beat North Florida with a score of 83-55 on November 15. North Florida faced a tough contest from the team’s defence, and any time the Ospreys tried to find space for a shot, they were denied due to the defensive pressure exerted on them.
- Allie Turner’s Rising Star: Freshman Allie Turner has been causing surprises and excitement earlier this season. She has been able to score big goals and show calmness to be among the best newcomers at the conference.
- Team Chemistry: This season, much has been said about the excellent interplay the Bulldogs have shown on the court. They constantly pass the ball to each other, creating nice moves that later lead to scoring opportunities. This teamwork is necessary because games in the conference are much more complex than some games they have played this season.
- Historic Win Against Liberty: The highest achievement was on November 24, when Gonzaga won the match against Liberty with a score of 102-59. This invigorated their attacking prowess, and they scored the highest points in this season’s games in that match.
Read Also: IHSA Girls Basketball: Scores, Schedules & State Finals Info
Historical Context
Gonzaga women’s basketball has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1968. Over the years, the program has evolved into one of the premier teams in women’s college basketball. Notable achievements include:
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: The Bulldogs have made multiple NCAA tournament appearances since their first bid in 2000.
- WCC Championships: Gonzaga has claimed numerous conference titles, solidifying its dominance in the West Coast Conference.
- Player Development: The program has produced several players who have gone on to successful careers in professional basketball, both domestically and internationally.
Looking Ahead
Gonzaga will face several critical matchups that test their skills and resilience as the season progresses. Vital upcoming games include:
- At Portland (January 4): A significant conference matchup that could impact standings.
- Vs Santa Clara (January 11): Another crucial game where Gonzaga will look to assert its dominance at home.
These games will be pivotal as they prepare for conference tournaments and aim for another NCAA tournament berth.
Read Also: FAMU Basketball Player Legend Stamps: Remembering the Heroes
Conclusion
Gonzaga women’s basketball remains a force to reckon with in college athletics. They are well placed to perform well as they move through their fixtures, with significant players coming into form towards the end of last season. Because of such desire to win, fans can fix on exciting games as the Bulldogs embark on another season, seeking to capture another conference championship and clinch another NCAA championship tournament.
FAQs
1: When did Gonzaga women’s basketball start?
Gonzaga women’s basketball began play in 1987 and has since developed into a competitive program within the NCAA.
2: How many NCAA tournaments has Gonzaga women’s basketball participated in?
As of 2024, Gonzaga has participated in 15 NCAA tournaments, achieving notable success, including multiple appearances in the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight.
3: Who is the current head coach of the Gonzaga women’s basketball team?
The current head coach is Lisa Fortier, who has led the team since 2014.
4: What is the home arena for Gonzaga women’s basketball?
The Bulldogs play home games at the McCarthey Athletic Center on the Gonzaga University campus in Spokane, Washington.
5: What are some recent Gonzaga women’s basketball team achievements?
Recent achievements include:
- A strong showing in NCAA tournaments.
- Winning multiple West Coast Conference (WCC) tournament titles.
- Consistently finishing at or near the top of the WCC standings.
