2020-21 WOMEN’S #WCCHOOPS WEEK TWO | 12.2.20

@WCChoops | #WCChoops Contact: Ryan McCrary | @RyMac_26 WCCsports.com Asst. Commissioner Communications | [email protected] WCC BY THE NUMBERS 21 13 137 / 4.7 20th Program-best winning streak NCAA Tournaments for Blocked shots for BYU’s Sara Season for BYU Head for Gonzaga in 2019-20 #WCChoops since 2012 Hamson - most in Division I Coach 2020-21 #WCCHOOPS SEASON STANDINGS WCC OVERALL W L Pct. GB Home Away W L Pct. Home Away Neut. Strk. Brigham Young --/RV 0 0 .000 -- 0-0 0-0 1 1 .500 0-0 0-0 1-1 L1 Gonzaga 18/20 0 0 .000 -- 0-0 0-0 1 1 .500 0-0 0-0 1-1 W1 Portland 0 0 .000 -- 0-0 0-0 1 1 .500 0-0 0-1 1-0 L1 LMU 0 0 .000 -- 0-0 0-0 0 1 .000 0-0 0-1 0-0 L1 San Francisco 0 0 .000 -- 0-0 0-0 0 1 .000 0-0 0-1 0-0 L1 Saint Mary’s 0 0 .000 -- 0-0 0-0 0 3 .000 0-0 0-1 0-2 L3 Pacific 0 0 .000 -- 0-0 0-0 0 0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 -- Pepperdine 0 0 .000 -- 0-0 0-0 0 0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 -- San Diego 0 0 .000 -- 0-0 0-0 0 0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 -- Santa Clara 0 0 .000 -- 0-0 0-0 0 0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 --

WCC BASKETBALL QUICK HITS 2020-21 WCC WEEK TWO SCHEDULE H Gonzaga enters week two of 2020-21 ranked No. 18 in the AP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 Poll and No. 20 in the USA Today/WBCA Coaches polls. Last year, UC Irvine at LMU WCC Network 7:00 p.m. the Zags rose to a program and WCC-best No. 10 (2/25/20) regu- lar season ranking. BYU entered the campaign in the “Receiving SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 Votes” category in the coaches poll. LMU at Grand Canyon 12:00 p.m. San Diego State at San Diego WCC Network 2:00 p.m. H Gonzaga enters the year owning the eighth longest active Division I home winning streak at 18 games. Baylor leads the SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 way with 55 straight victories. The Bulldog men’s team owns the #18 Gonzaga at South Dakota St. 12:00 p.m. nation’s longest active streak at 39. Seattle U at Portland WCC Network 2:00 p.m. H Two WCC teams appear in Charlie Creme’s 2021 ESPN Week Two Bracketology report: Gonzaga (No. 6 Region 4) & BYU (No. MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 10 Region 3) BYU at Utah State The MW 5:00 p.m. H Five WCC teams rated in the top-150 in the final 2019-20 RPI TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 ratings: Gonzaga (No. 12), BYU (No. 94), Portland (No. 103), San San Diego at CSU Fullerton TBA Diego (No. 111) & Pacific (No. 134). **NOTE - Women’s basketball CSU Bakersfield at Pepperdine WCC Network 4:00 p.m. will shift to NET rankings for the 2020-21 campaign. #18 Gonzaga at Wyoming The MW 5:30 p.m. H Five WCC student-athletes were named to 2020-21 preseason watch lists for major national awards ALL TIMES PACIFIC (PT) | **All dates/times subject to change H Sara Hamson, BYU: Lisa Leslie H Alex Fowler, Portland: Becky Hammon H Valerie Higgins, Pacific: Becky Hammon UCU WCC PLAYER/FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK H Brooklyn McDavid, Pacific: Katrina McClain BYU sophomore guard Shaylee Gonzales and Saint H Jill Townsend, Gonzaga: Naismith PoY, Ann Meyers & Mary’s freshman Finau Tonga captured debut Universi- Becky Hammon ty Credit Union WCC Player and Freshman of the Week H Gonzaga is one of seven institutions nationally featuring top-25 honors. Freshman of the Week is a new award making men’s and women’s basketball programs. The No. 21/20 women its debut for the 2020-21 campaign. and No. 1/2 men join Baylor, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon and UCLA. H The University Credit Union WCC Women’s Basketball Tourna- ment returns to the Orleans Arena March 4-9, 2021.

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2020-21 West Coast Conference Basketball 1 2020-21 #WCCHOOPS INFORMATION WCC vs. the Conferences WCC Teams in Weekly 2020-21 Polls AP Poll / USA Today/WBCA Coaches Poll (Through 12/2/20) BYU GON Preseason --/RV 21/20 American Athletic Conference...... 0-0 12/1 --/RV 18/20 America East...... 0-0 Atlantic Coast...... 0-0 Atlantic 10 ...... 0-1 WCC Teams in FINAL 2020 Ratings (4/1/20) A weekly eye on hoops metrics... Atlantic Sun...... 0-0 BYU GON POR USD UOP Big East ...... 0-0 RPI 94 12 103 111 134 WCC In The Postseason Big Sky ...... 0-0 Big South ...... 0-0 MULTIPLE POST-SEASON PARTICIPANTS Big Ten ...... 0-0 #WCChoops Among Top Coaches In Big 12 ...... 0-0 NCAA Big West ...... 0-1 NCAA Win Percentage 2020 Gonzaga*, Portland (Projected) Colonial ...... 0-0 Two of the WCC’s head coaches crack the Top 2019 BYU, Gonzaga* Conference USA ...... 0-0 12 for career winning percentage amongst all 2016 BYU*, San Francisco Horizon ...... 0-0 active coaches currently in the D1 ranks. Michael 2015 BYU, Gonzaga* 2014 BYU*, Gonzaga of Portland is fifth with a career winning Independent ...... 0-0 Meek 2012 BYU, Gonzaga* Ivy ...... 0-0 percentage of .845 (251-46) in 10 seasons of 2002 Santa Clara, Pepperdine* Metro Atlantic Athletic...... 0-0 coaching between George Fox and Portland. 2000 San Diego, Pepperdine* Mid-American ...... 0-0 of Gonzaga 12th amongst active 1999 Saint Mary’s, Santa Clara* Mid-Eastern Athletic...... 0-0 coaches with a career winning percentage of 1997 San Francisco, Portland* Missouri Valley ...... 0-0 .783 (155-43), all in six years at Gonzaga. 1996 San Francisco, Portland* Mountain West ...... 0-0 1995 San Francisco, Portland* Non-Division I ...... 0-0 1994 Portland, Santa Clara* Topping the list are Trevor Woodruff at .894 * Indicates at-large selection Northeast ...... 0-0 (Scranton, Bucknell), Geno Auriemma at .885 Ohio Valley ...... 0-0 (UConn), Kim Mulkey at .858 (Baylor), Amaka WNIT Pac-12...... 0-4 Agugua-Hamilton at .857 (Missouri State) and 2019 LMU, Pacific, Pepperdine, Saint Mary’s Patriot ...... 0-0 2017 BYU, Saint Mary’s Meek at .844. Southeastern ...... 1-1 2016 Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s, San Diego, Santa Clara Southern ...... 0-0 2015 Pacific, Saint Mary’s, San Diego, San Francisco Southland ...... 0-1 Fortier - Naismith Coach of the Year 2014 Pacific, Saint Mary’s, San Diego 2013 BYU, (Pacific), Saint Mary’s, San Diego Southwestern Athletic...... 0-0 Semifinalist 2012 Saint Mary’s, San Diego Summit ...... 1-0 Lisa Fortier was among 10 semifinalists for the 2011 Pepperdine, Saint Mary’s Sun Belt ...... 0-0 Werner Ladder Naismith National Coach of the 2010 Pepperdine, Saint Mary’s Western Athletic ...... 1-0 Year awards, giving Gonzaga the elite distinction 2004 Gonzaga, Pepperdine TOTAL ...... 3-8 (.000) of being among just two schools with contenders 2002 Saint Mary’s, San Francisco 2001 Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine, Santa Clara for both men’s (Mark Few) and women’s honors. 2000 Saint Mary’s, Santa Clara Fortier has guided the 12th-ranked Gonzaga 1999 Pepperdine, Portland women to their best start in program history at 28-2—the 18th 20-win season in program history. WCC Tournament Champions The Zags went 17-1 in WCC play, capturing their fourth straight regular-season conference Year Champion Runner-Up Site crown. They also have a bye into the semifinal 2020 Portland Gonzaga Las Vegas round of the WCC tournament. 2019YU B Gonzaga Las Vegas 2018 Gonzaga San Diego Las Vegas 2017 Gonzaga Saint Mary’s Las Vegas 2016 San Francisco BYU Las Vegas 2015YU B San Francisco Las Vegas 2014 Gonzaga BYU Las Vegas 2013 Gonzaga San Diego Las Vegas WCC Solid in Non-Conference 2012YU B Gonzaga Las Vegas The WCC continues a league trend of suc- 2011 Gonzaga Saint Mary’s Las Vegas cess during out of conference contests. 2010 Gonzaga Pepperdine Las Vegas 2009 Gonzaga San Diego Las Vegas 2020-21: 0-0 (00.0) 2008 San Diego Gonzaga USD 2007 Gonzaga LMU POR 81-57 (58.7) 2019-20: 2006 Pepperdine Santa Clara GON 2018-19: 90-53 (62.9) 2005 Santa Clara Gonzaga SCU 2017-18: 57-54 (51.4) 2004 LMU Gonzaga SCU 2016-17: 50-62 (44.6) 2003 Pepperdine Santa Clara USD 2015-16: 73-47 (60.8) 2002 Pepperdine Santa Clara USD 2014-15: 67-51 (56.8) 2001 Saint Mary’s LMU USD 2013-14: 74-46 (61.7) 2000 San Diego Pepperdine SCU (As of 11/23/20) 1999 Saint Mary’s Pepperdine SCU 1998 Santa Clara Saint Mary’s SCU 2020 WCC All-Tournament Team 1997 San Francisco Portland LMU Haylee Andrews, So., G - Portland 1996 San Francisco Portland SCU *Alex Fowler, Fr., F – Portland - MOP 1995 San Francisco Portland SCU Hannah Friend, Sr., G – Pepperdine 1994 Portland Gonzaga SCU Myah Pace, Sr., F - San Diego 1993 San Diego Santa Clara SCU Leticia Soares, Sr., G - San Diego 1992 Santa Clara San Francisco SCU

2 WCCsports.com | @WCChoops | #WCChoops 2020-21 #WCCHOOPS NOTES // RUSSELL RULE 2019-20 #WCCHOOPS SEASON IN REVIEW - STATS #WCChoops enjoyed a remarkable season in 2019-20 with two teams projected as locks for the 2020 NCAA Tournament. • Gonzaga – finished the 2019-20 campaign ranked No. 13 in both the AP and the USA Today/WBCA Coaches polls and rose to 11/10 in (2/24-25) – both setting pro- gram records • Portland captured its first NCAA Tournament berth since 1997 by winning the 2020 UCU WCC Tournament • For the second straight season and fifth time since 2014, the WCC was poised to send multiple teams to the SAN BRUNO, Calif. – The West Coast Conference is proud NCAA Tournament – WCC Tournament Champion Port- to announce the adoption of the “Russell Rule” as the first land (AQ) and No. 13/13 Gonzaga who was projected as conference-wide diversity hiring commitment in Division I. a potential national seed The “Russell Rule” is named in honor of WCC and NBA legend Bill Russell and is the main part of a groundbreaking series • Five WCC programs finished the season in the top-150 of initiatives implemented under the “We are Committed to of the final RPI rankings Change” platform. • Five WCC programs were in contention for postseason play The “Russell Rule” requires each member institution to include • The WCC posted an 81-57 (.587) slate against non-con- a member of a traditionally underrepresented community in the pool of final candidates for every athletic director, senior ference foes administrator, head coach and full-time assistant coach posi- • WCC ranked sixth among Division I conferences in tion in the athletic department. 3-point field goal (32.55) accuracy • The following WCC programs ranked in the top-10 The WCC has partnered with human rights activist and among NCAA Division I leaders (FINAL) pioneer for racial equality, Dr. Richard Lapchick, the founder and Director of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport o Blocked Shots / per game (TIDES), to develop an annual race and gender report card on –BYU (3rd/195); (3rd/6.7) for each WCC institution and the Conference office. o Fewest Turnovers/game –Pepperdine (6th/347); (5th/11.2) Russell, an 11-time NBA Champion, a two-time NCAA Champi- o Field Goal % Defense on and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient as a life- long advocate for social justice, embraced the opportunity to –BYU (2nd/32.2) promote equitable opportunities in college athletics. o Scoring Defense – Gonzaga (3rd/51.9) “It is my hope the West Coast Conference initiative will o Steals / game encourage other leagues and schools to make similar com- – San Diego (8th/347/11.2) mitments,” Russell stated. “We need to be intentional if we’re going to make real change for people of color in leadership o 3-Pointers / game positions in college athletics. I’m proud to assist the WCC – Saint Mary’s (8th/287/9.3) and Commissioner Nevarez by endorsing this most important o 3-Point % Defense initiative.” – Gonzaga (2nd/39.5) • BYU’s Sara Hamson, the 2020 WCC Defensive Player “The Russell Rule is the result of the groundbreaking work of the WCC Presidents’ Council and Equity, Diversity and Inclu- of the Year, led the nation in blocked shots and blocks sion Committee,” Nevarez said. “Bill Russell is the greatest bas- per game (137/4.72) ketball player and social justice advocate the nation has seen. • Portland’s Alex Fowler, the 2020 WCC Newcomer of He is a champion for change. It is our belief the WCC ‘Russell the Year, ranked fourth among Division I field goal lead- Rule’ will live up to his legacy. Our goal is that the diversity of ers with 242 and was 21st in total points (577) our student-athletes is reflected in those that lead and mentor • Pacific’s Valerie Higgins ranked sixth in Division I them and provides a holistic and inclusive education during steals leaders (3.54) their time at WCC institutions. • A pair of coaches hit milestones: BYU’s Jeff Judkins The “Russell Rule” is part of several significant initiatives earned his 400th career victory in a Dec. 30 win at Pep- associated with the “We are Committed to Change” platform perdine and is the all-time winningest men’s or women’s that received unanimous support from the WCC Presidents’ BYU basketball head coach. SMC’s Paul Thomas earned Council. The initiatives were implemented in August, 2020. his 500th career¡ victory in a Jan. 2 win vs Pepperdine. WE ARE COMMITED TO CHANGE PLAN PLATFORM • The Zags saw its NCAA-leading 21-game winning streak DIVERSITY HIRING COMMITMENT: The “Russell Rule” is the end at Saint Mary’s (Feb. 8), but the Zags still hold the first conference-wide diversity hiring commitment in Division I. nation’s 8th-longest active home winning streak at 16 EDUCATION: Conference-wide series of antiracism education- consecutive wins in McCarthey Athletic Center. al webinars for coaches, administrators and student-athletes • Gonzaga ranked 1st in the nation in percent atten- on June 29, 2020. Participants included more than 500 stu- dance capacity and 14th nationally in overall average dent-athletes and more than 400 coaches and administrators. attendance. The Zags average 94.87 percent capacity; POLICY MAKING: The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Commit- that’s an average of 5,692 fans that fill the 6,000-seat tee (EDI), formed in 2019, will be expanded with representation from all 10 institutions. This group will feature a student-athlete McCarthey Athletic Center every game. The Zags are the subcommittee with representatives from each member. only non-Power 5 team (excluding UConn) to crack the CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: A Civic Engagement Pledge to facilitate national Top 15 in attendance. annual voter education and registration for student-athletes. 2020-21 West Coast Conference Basketball 3 2020-21 #WCCHOOPS INFORMATION

2020 UCU WCC TOURNAMENT RESULTS #WCCHOOPS POLL/ALL-WCC TEAM THURSDAY, MARCH 5 2020-21 WCC PRESEASON WOMEN’S BASKETBALL No. 8 Santa Clara def. No. 9 San Francisco 72-65 No. 7 Saint Mary’s def. No. 10 LMU 72-63 COACHES POLL Team (First Place Vote) Pts. FRIDAY, MARCH 6 1. Gonzaga (7) 79 No. 5 Pacific def. No. 8 Santa Clara 67-49 2. BYU (2) 73 No. 6 Pepperdine def. No. 7 Saint Mary’s 87-72 3. Portland (1) 64 SATURDAY, MARCH 7 4. San Diego 53 No. 4 Portland def. No. 5 Pacific 76-69 5. Saint Mary’s 44 No. 6 Pepperdine def. No. 3 BYU 62-51 6. Pacific 42 MONDAY, MARCH 9 7. Pepperdine 28 No. 4 Portland def. No. 1 Gonzaga 70-69 8. LMU 25 No. 2 San Diego def. No. 6 Pepperdine 59-44 9. Santa Clara 22 10. San Francisco 20 TUESDAY, MARCH 10 No. 4 Portland def. No. 2 San Diego (ESPNU) 64-63 OT 2020-21 ALL-WCC PRESEASON TEAM NAME YEAR POS. INSTITUTION Pilots Win 2020 UCU WCC Tournament Haylee Andrews Jr. G Portland You want motivation? How about being picked to finish last? Alex Fowler So. F Portland Portland freshman forward Alex Fowler admits she and her team- Shaylee Gonzales So. G BYU mates were insulted. Sara Hamson Sr. C BYU “Yeah, definitely we were,” she said. “I don’t think there’s many Valerie Higgins Sr. G Pacific teams that can say they were picked to finish dead last and then Paisley Johnson Harding Sr. G BYU win the entire tournament. It’s just a great feeling for us.” Brooklyn McDavid Sr. F Pacific Myah Pace Sr. G San Diego That was season-long fuel for the Pilots, who upended the bot- Sam Simons Jr. G Saint Mary’s tom-dwelling expectations of rival coaches and captured the title in the University Credit Union West Coast Conference Tournament Jill Townsend Sr. G Gonzaga with a 64-63 overtime victory over San Diego in Tuesday’s cham- Jenn Wirth Sr. F Gonzaga pionship game at Orleans Arena. **REMINDER: The #WCChoops preseason poll and All- The Pilots (21-11) earned their first NCAA tournament bid since 1997 WCC teams voted on solely by the 10 head coaches. Fresh- and won their first WCC tourney crown since ’94. men and first-year transfers are ineligible for consideration. Fowler won Most Outstanding Player honors after posting 21 points and 10 rebounds in the championship game.

2019-20 WCC Women’s Basketball All-Conference Team 2019-20 WCC Women’s Basketball All-Academic Team Player of the Year: Jill Townsend, Gonzaga Name School Yr. GPA Major Coach of the Year: Cindy Fisher, San Diego Katie Campbell GON Sr. 3.36 Psychology Defensive Player of the Year: Sara Hamson, Brigham Young Emily Codding SMC Jr. 3.53 Business Admin. Newcomer of the Year: Alex Fowler, Portland Paige Fecske PEP R-Sr. 4.00 Clinical Psychology Sara Hamson BYU Jr. 3.83 Bioinformatics 2019-20 WCC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL FIRST TEAM Ashlyn Herlihy SCU R-Jr. 3.61 MBA Name School Year Position Maddie Muhlheim POR Jr. 3.93 Accounting Brenna Chase Drollinger Brigham Young Sr. G Myah Pace USD Jr. 3.67 Architecture Alex Fowler Portland Fr. F Sofie Tryggedsson UOP Gr. 3.65 Health Science Valerie Higgins Pacific R-Jr. G Kia Vaalavirta USF Soph. 3.92 Biology Paisley Johnson Brigham Young Jr. G Lauren Yearwood SCU R-Sr. 3.86 Biology Brooklyn McDavid Pacific Jr. F Myah Pace San Diego Jr. G EXCLUSIVE #WCCHOOPS COVERAGE Sam Simons Saint Mary’s Soph. G Barbara Sitanggan Pepperdine Sr. G INTRODUCING #WCCHOOPS “ZALOUMIS ZOOMS” Jill Townsend Gonzaga Jr. G Longtime sports reporter and studio host Nicole Zaloumis will Jenn Wirth Gonzaga Jr. F be providing exclusive WCC women’s basketball content for 2019-20 WCC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SECOND TEAM the 2020-21 basketball season and beyond. A Bay Area native, Name School Year Position Nicole Zaloumis has a broad sports background in a variety of Haylee Andrews Portland Soph. G markets in the collegiate and professional ranks. Most recently Katie Campbell Gonzaga Sr. G she served as the studio host for the Las Vegas Raiders Draft Jordyn Edwards San Diego Jr. G specials and worked as the host of the Silver and Black Show. Sara Hamson Brigham Young Jr. C In addition, the University of San Francisco graduate co-hosted Mikayla Williams San Francisco Gr. F Left Coast Live on the Mad Dog Sports Radio on SiriusXM Sat- 2019-20WCC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HONORABLE MENTION ellite Radio after a successful stint at the NFL Network. Follow Kate Anderson, POR; Chelsey Gipson, LMU; Ashlyn Herlihy, SCU; Zaloumis on Twitter - @NicoleZaloumis Jessie Loera, GON; Madison Pollock, USD; Leticia Soares, USD; Leilah Vigil, USF; Taycee Wedin, SMC MEET #WCCHOOPS COLUMNIST JEFF FARAUDO 2019-20 WCC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ALL FRESHMAN TEAM A veteran sports reporter/columnist, Jeff Faraudo spent nearly Name School Year Position 25 years working for the Oakland Tribune, with an emphasis on Ciera Ellington LMU Fr. G college sports. During his career he has covered the full gamut Alex Fowler Portland Fr. F of sports from prep to professional. A longtime beat writer for Keeley Frawley Portland Fr. F Cal, Faraudo has covered multiple Final Fours, Rose Bowls and Jayla Rufus-Milner Pepperdine Fr. G four Olympics. No stranger to WCC Basketball, Faraudo has Kayleigh Truong Gonzaga Fr. G covered 100s of WCC games.

4 WCCsports.com | @WCChoops | #WCChoops 2020-21 #WCCHOOPS TEAM PRESEASON CAPSULES BYU COUGARS players. The ones that we have are 100 percent bought in.” — 2019-20: 13-5/tied 2nd in WCC, 18-11 overall Coach Charity Elliott Jeff Judkins (369-173 in 20th season) Coach: Senior guard Paisley Johnson Harding Top returning players: 2019-20: 9-9/5th in WCC, 17-14 overall (15.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists), senior center Sara Ham- Coach: Bradley Davis (74-82 in 6th season) son (7.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.7 blocked shots), sophomore Top returning players: Senior guard Valerie Higgins (16.5 point guard Shaylee Gonzales (17.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.5 steals), senior forward assists1.9 steals in 2018-19), guard Maria Albiero (6.0 points, 3.2 Brooklyn McDavid (14.5 points, 5.8 rebounds), junior guard assists) Kaylin Randhawa (8.1 points), senior guard Lianna Tillman (5.8 Top newcomers: Two four-year transfers become eligible points) and should contribute. Tegan Graham played in 98 games Top newcomers: Freshman point guard Liz Smith, a Dallas na- and started in 47 during her 4-year career at Colgate. Kayla tive, comes to Pacific after four seasons at the IMG Academy. Belles-Lee, who married BYU men’s player Kolby Lee over the She has great genes as the daughter of a gymnast mother and summer, played two seasons at Michigan State and should be father Kevin Smith, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the ready to play sometime in December after minor offseason Dallas Cowboys. knee surgery. Forward Lauren Gustin, who averaged a dou- Key non-conference games: The Tigers open their season ble-double at Salt Lake Community College, adds to what Sunday with a huge test on the road against second-ranked Judkins calls his deepest team in years. Stanford. A year ago, Pacific took on two Pac-12 schools and Key non-conference games: The Cougars face LSU to start competed well before losing 69-57 at No. 6 Oregon State and the two-day South Point Shootout in Las Vegas the day after 68-57 at UCLA. Thanksgiving. Otherwise, BYU will play in-state games leading Quote: “I expect the WCC to be really tough, but I think we’re to the start of WCC play. talented and we should be in the mix. When you have leaders Quote: “My opinion is she was the best player in the league. like Brooklyn and Val, you’re starting off at a good point.” — She makes a big difference because the way she plays make UOP coach Bradley Davis it better for everybody else. She can get to the basket, she can shoot it. She’s doing great. You wouldn’t know she had an ACL.” — BYU coach Jeff Judkins on Shaylee Gonzales 2019-20: 8-10/6th in WCC; 16-15 overall Coach: Kristen Dowling (16-15 in 2nd season) Top returning players: Junior guard Malia Bambrick (10.4 2019-20: 17-1/1st in WCC, 28-3 overall; points, 54 3-pointers), senior forward Monique Andriuolo (9.7 Coach: Lisa Fortier (155-43 in 7th season) points, 7.3 rebounds, 40 blocked shots), sophomore guard Top returning players: Senior guard Jill Townsend (12.3 Jayla Ruffus-Milner (5.5 points, 4.8 rebounds) points, 5.6 rebounds), senior forward Jenn Wirth (10.8 points, Top newcomers: The Waves have seven new players, four of 6.9 rebounds), senior forward LeeAnne Wirth (8.7 points, 4.7 them transfers, including 6-5 center Tara Dusharm, who plated rebounds), junior forward Melody Kempton (7.0 points, 4.7 29 games for Saint Louis in 2017-18 but has played just three rebounds), sophomore guard Kayleigh Truong (6.0 points, 2.7 games the past two years because of injury. Two freshmen assists) forwards, Kendyl Carson and Jane Nwaba, also could get Top newcomers: Vanderbilt transfer Cierra Walker (39% career playing time. 3-point shooter) is eligible to play and the Bulldogs signed Key non-conference game: The Waves open their schedule three promising high school standouts, four-star guard guard Sunday at home against UCLA. prospect McKayla Williams, forward Yvonne Ejim and guard Quote: “It definitely gives them confidence. It also shows their Lily Scanlon. level of comfortability with the coaches and the system and Key non-conference game: The Zags, who took Stanford to the plan. We ended the year on a high note.” — Coach Kristen overtime on the road last season, will test themselves against Dowling on the value of the Waves’ win over BYU at the 2020 preseason No. 1 South Carolina at the Bad Boy Mowers Cross- WCC tournament over Classic in Sioux Falls, S.D. this weekend. Quote: “I think they’re highly motivated but at the time you’re PORTLAND PILOTS guarded. We’re in, we’re out. They say we’re going to start at 2019-20: 11-7/4th in WCC, 21-11 overall; won WCC tournament this time and then they say you can’t. It’s almost like a defense Coach: Michael Meek (21-11 in 2nd season in Div. I) mechanism because they don’t want to have their dreams Top returning players: Junior guard Haylee Andrews (16.0 crushed if we don’t get to go. So you try to have every day be points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists), sophomore forward Alex your best day.” — Gonzaga coach Lisa Fortier on the emotional Fowler (18.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 55% FG), senior guard Mad- rollercoaster her plays must ride during the COVID-19 era. die Muhlheim (7.9 points) Top newcomers: Pepperdine transfer Rose Pflug is a junior LMU LIONS guard and versatile scorer. The Pilots are still waiting to hear 2019-20: 3-15/last in WCC, 7-25 overall from the NCAA on the eligibility of Oregon transfer Lucy Co- Coach: Charity Elliott (100-140 in 9th season at LMU; 127-197 in chrane, a 6-5 sophomore forward and former U17 Australian 12th season in Div. I) National Team member. Sophomore guard/forward Cici El- Top returning players: Key non-conference game: The Pilots play a home game lington (11.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists), senior forward against reigning Pac-12 champion Oregon next Monday. Jasmine Jones (10.7 points, 7.5 rebounds) Quote: “We’re still really, really young. It was obviously an Top newcomers: Among two incoming freshmen, guard Nicole awesome experience winning it, but we jumped pretty far, Rodriguez is playing “way beyond expectations,” in practice, pretty fast. More than anything our team needs to be rea- according to coach Charity Elliott. Redshirt freshman Natalia sonable about what our expectations are. We’re capable of Klimek, who missed all of last season with an ACL injury, is beating anybody on any night. But it’s not reasonable that in expected to make an impact. two years to feel we can match programs that have been es- Key non-conference game: The Lions open Wednesday at tablished for years and years.” — Second-year coach Michael USC and face UNLV and LSU in a December Las Vegas tour- Meek nament. Quote: “This group has really impressed me. We’re having a lot of fun in the gym. We’re small in numbers and there’s still some uncertainty as far as what’s happening with a few of our

2020-21 West Coast Conference Basketball 5 2020-21 #WCCHOOPS TEAM PRESEASON CAPSULES

SAINT MARY’S GAELS SANTA CLARA BRNOCOS 2019-20: 6-12/7th in WCC, 12-19 overall 2019-20: 5-13/tied 8th in WCC, 12-19 overall Coach: Paul Thomas (268-179 in 15th season) Coach: Bill Carr (63-90 in 5th season) Top returning players: Senior guard/forward Maddy Holland Top returning players: Senior forward Ashlyn Herlihy (10.3 (12.6 points. 4.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists), junior guard Taycee points, 6.7 rebounds), senior forward Merle Wiehl (9.2 points, Wedin (12.8 points, 104 3-point baskets), senior guard/forward 4.2 rebounds), junior guard Lindsey VanAllen (8.4 points, 3.7 Emily Codding (14.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 18 games) rebounds) Top newcomers: Sophomore guard Jade Kirisome got valu- Top newcomers: Sophomore Shayley Harris, a 6-foot-7 transfer able playing time last season at Furman, and Amy West, a wiry from UCLA, and her sister, 6-7 incoming freshman Katie Harris, 6-foot-4 sophomore from Liberty, should help boost the Gaels’ give the Broncos a different look. Junior guard Bryce Nixon post defense. The Gaels also welcome three freshman, all of arrives as a transfer from Arizona and the Broncos welcome whom could get minutes. more size with 6-3 freshman Emmy Ellinghouse. Key non-conference games: The Gaels are playing in a three- Key non-conference game: The Broncos still are trying to firm game event over Thanksgiving weekend at Arizona State, up their non-conference schedule. where they are scheduled to face VCU on Wednesday. SMC Quote: “I told the group the other day: We have great experi- also plays a road game against Ohio State on Dec. 16. ence and good leadership and players that have been around Quote: “Was it was tough? Of course. I’m sure it was tougher a little bit. And then we have youthful enthusiasm. That’s the on her and her teammates than it was on the coaches. As she kind of team that can get better as the year goes on. And I see said, this was not a knee-jerk decision. It was thought out. I’m it every day in practice.” — Santa Clara coach Bill Carr sure right now they’re thinking, `We made a great decision.’ “ — SMC coach Paul Thomas on Sam Simons’ decision to opt out of the season due to COVID-19 concerns 2019-20: 13-5/tied for 2nd in WCC, 20-11 overall Coach: Cindy Fisher (282-188 in 16th season at USD; 341-269 in #WCCHOOPS PRESEASON CAPSULE CREDITS All 2020-21 preseason capsules compiled by WCC Basketball 21st season in Div. I) Columnist Jeff Faraudo. Check out WCCSports.com and on Top returning players: Senior guard Myah Pace (11.9 points, 4.9 Twitter@WCChoops for comprehensive team-by-team cover- rebounds, 92 steals), senior guard Jordyn Edwards (10.1 points, age by Faraudo and WCC Correspondent Nicole Zaloumis. 3.8 rebounds), senior guard Sydney Hunter (7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds) Top newcomers: Freshman Laura Erikstrup, a 6-2 center, should be part of the rotation from the start. Guard Gabby Giuffre, another freshman, will compete for minutes and guard Steph Gorman, who started 50 games over two seasons at Utah State, is eligible after transferring. Key non-conference game: The Toreros are still trying to firm up their schedule but hope to have a Wednesday home game. Quote: “We’ll continue to try to get up and pressure as much as we can. We’re extremely athletic in the guard position and we need to use the to our advantage. It’s a thrill for the players knowing they are creating that kind of chaos.” — USD coach Cindy Fisher 2019-20: 5-13/tied for 8th in WCC, 12-19 overall Coach: (53-71 in 5th season at USF; 101-147 in 9th season in Div. I) Top returning players: Senior guard Lucie Hoskova (13.9 points, 4.8 rebounds), redshirt freshman guard Ioanna Krimili (15.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 38% 3-point, 9 games), junior for- ward Leila Vigil (12.5 points, 10.4 rebounds) Top newcomer: Nigerian-born Jumoke Adaramoye, a 6-foot-1 freshman, has good potential but likely will use this season primarily for development. Key non-conference games: The Dons currently have six games confirmed, including a Dec. 10 trip across the Bay to face Cal. They open Wednesday at UC Davis. Quote: “It makes all the difference in the world. Finally a time where everything isn’t new to everyone. They know the drill, understand the expectations, and they know one another.” — Coach Molly Goodenbour on the benefits of experience

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