Gonzaga Women's Basketball Dominates WCC, Eyes NCAA Glory

LAS VEGAS – The Gonzaga women’s basketball team continued their dominance in the West Coast Conference, breezing past Pacific with a 72-61 victory in the semifinals of the WCC Basketball Championship on Monday.

The Zags, ranked No. 14 in the Associated Press poll, extended their program-record winning streak to 24 games and advanced to the WCC title game for the fourth year in a row. They will face No. 3 Portland in the championship on Tuesday, a rematch of last year’s final where Portland emerged victorious.

Gonzaga’s balanced attack proved too much for Pacific, as the Zags opened up a commanding 70-43 lead by the midway point of the fourth quarter. Although the Tigers tried to mount a late comeback, scoring 18 of the game’s final 20 points, it was too little, too late.

“We got up 20 and then I think we relaxed a little bit,” said Gonzaga coach Lisa Fortier. “This is the hardest game. Once you get to tomorrow you just kind of play and have fun. This one, I think everyone wants to get to tomorrow so there’s a lot riding on it.”

The Zags were led by WCC Player of the Year and WCC Defensive Player of the Year Yvonne Ejim, who recorded her 12th double-double of the season with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Senior Eliza Hollingsworth also had a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while sharpshooter Brynna Maxwell chipped in 17 points and point guard Kaylynne Truong added 13 points and seven assists.

“Going into any game, we don’t want to underestimate anybody. It’s beginning to be March Madness, and anything can happen,” Hollingsworth said. “Making sure that no matter who we play, we come out with our best. Not doubting anyone and just having confidence in ourselves.”

For Pacific, junior point guard Anaya James led the way with a game-high 23 points and five assists, but also committed seven of the team’s 23 turnovers. Senior guard Liz Smith scored 12 points, but struggled from the field, shooting just 4-for-15.

“We just had some stretches there we couldn’t come back from,” said Pacific coach Bradley Davis. “Still really proud of my group.”

With the win, Gonzaga improves to 30-2 on the season and sets their sights on capturing the WCC tournament title and earning a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Zags have been a perennial powerhouse in recent years, making the Sweet Sixteen in three of the last four seasons.

As the calendar turns to March, Gonzaga appears poised to make another deep run in the Big Dance, fueled by their balanced scoring, stingy defense, and the experience of a battle-tested core. With their sights set on a potential Final Four berth, the Zags will look to carry their momentum from the WCC tournament into the NCAA Tournament and cement their status as a national powerhouse.