The anticipation is finally over as the women’s college basketball season bursts to life with a scintillating Sunday lineup. Headlining the action is a tantalizing Final Four rematch between the top-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks and the No. 9 NC State Wolfpack. The clash in Charlotte, North Carolina, also marks the highly-anticipated return of Gamecocks star forward Ashlyn Watkins, who is expected to shoulder a heavier load following the departure of Kamilla Cardoso to the WNBA.
Watkins, a 6-foot-3 junior, faced assault and kidnapping charges stemming from an on-campus incident in August. Those charges were dismissed last week, paving the way for her to rejoin the defending champions. Her presence will be vital against a seasoned Wolfpack squad that returns a strong core of guards in Aziaha James, Saniya Rivers, and Madison Hayes.
Gamecocks vs. Wolfpack: Guard Play in the Spotlight
While Watkins’ return bolsters South Carolina’s frontcourt, the guard matchup could determine the outcome. The Wolfpack’s James led the team in scoring last season at 16.8 points per game, and along with Rivers, Hayes, and top reserve Zoe Brooks, they form a formidable backcourt. The Gamecocks will need strong performances from Bree Hall, Raven Johnson, and Te-Hina Paopao to counter NC State’s experience.
South Carolina escaped with a narrow 68-62 win over Michigan in their opener, led by forward Chloe Kitts’ 19 points and 14 rebounds. Top recruit Joyce Edwards also showed promise with 10 points and 7 rebounds in her debut. The Gamecocks will aim to establish their dominance early against the Wolfpack and assert themselves as the team to beat once again.
New Eras Begin for Iowa and Virginia Tech
In the second game of the Ally Tipoff doubleheader, Iowa and Virginia Tech face off in a battle of Final Four teams from last season. Both programs are in transition, with the Hawkeyes’ Jan Jensen taking over for the retired Lisa Bluder and the Hokies now led by Megan Duffy after Kenny Brooks’ departure to Kentucky. The teams also lost transcendent stars Caitlin Clark and Elizabeth Kitley, respectively.
The Hawkeyes showcased their depth in a season-opening 91-73 victory over Northern Illinois, with five starters scoring in double figures. Transfer Lucy Olsen made an immediate impact with a team-high 19 points. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, cruised past UNC Wilmington 99-57 behind Matilda Ekh’s 18 points and nine rebounds. Sunday’s clash will provide an early gauge of how these reshaped rosters stack up.
Cardinal Dedicate Court to Legendary Coach VanDerveer
Another intriguing matchup features the Stanford Cardinal and Gonzaga Bulldogs, neither of whom are ranked to start the season – a rarity in recent years. The Cardinal will honor Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer by unveiling the court named in her honor at Maples Pavilion. VanDerveer, who has helmed Stanford for 38 years, has won three national titles and is the winningest coach in women’s college basketball history.
Stanford has begun the Kate Paye coaching era with convincing wins over Washington State and Le Moyne. Jzaniya Harriel, a redshirt junior poised for an expanded role, poured in 23 points in the opener. Gonzaga, paced by fifth-year senior Yvonne Ejim’s 17 points and 10 rebounds, topped Montana 82-69 to start their campaign. The Zags will aim to spoil the Cardinal’s court dedication festivities.
Former ACC Foes Maryland, Duke Rekindle Rivalry
Rounding out the day’s marquee games is a renewal of a once-heated ACC rivalry as No. 18 Maryland hosts No. 11 Duke. It’s been nearly a decade since the Terrapins left for the Big Ten, but the memories of their battles with the Blue Devils remain fresh. The teams last met in the 2015 NCAA Tournament, with Maryland prevailing en route to the Final Four.
It’s going to be electric in College Park. Our fans have been looking forward to this game since it was announced.
– Maryland coach Brenda Frese
Both squads are off to 2-0 starts under veteran leaders. Maryland’s Brenda Frese, in her 23rd season, matches wits with Duke’s Kara Lawson, now in her fifth year at the helm. The game features a blend of established stars and emerging talents, setting the stage for a compelling contest that bridges the past and present of this storied rivalry.
From a Final Four rematch to new eras dawning to a legendary coach honored and old foes reuniting, the first Sunday of the women’s college basketball season offers a captivating array of storylines and matchups. These early tests will begin to reveal the contenders and pretenders in the chase for the 2025 national championship. Buckle up for a thrilling ride as the season shifts into high gear right out of the gates.
The Hawkeyes showcased their depth in a season-opening 91-73 victory over Northern Illinois, with five starters scoring in double figures. Transfer Lucy Olsen made an immediate impact with a team-high 19 points. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, cruised past UNC Wilmington 99-57 behind Matilda Ekh’s 18 points and nine rebounds. Sunday’s clash will provide an early gauge of how these reshaped rosters stack up.
Cardinal Dedicate Court to Legendary Coach VanDerveer
Another intriguing matchup features the Stanford Cardinal and Gonzaga Bulldogs, neither of whom are ranked to start the season – a rarity in recent years. The Cardinal will honor Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer by unveiling the court named in her honor at Maples Pavilion. VanDerveer, who has helmed Stanford for 38 years, has won three national titles and is the winningest coach in women’s college basketball history.
Stanford has begun the Kate Paye coaching era with convincing wins over Washington State and Le Moyne. Jzaniya Harriel, a redshirt junior poised for an expanded role, poured in 23 points in the opener. Gonzaga, paced by fifth-year senior Yvonne Ejim’s 17 points and 10 rebounds, topped Montana 82-69 to start their campaign. The Zags will aim to spoil the Cardinal’s court dedication festivities.
Former ACC Foes Maryland, Duke Rekindle Rivalry
Rounding out the day’s marquee games is a renewal of a once-heated ACC rivalry as No. 18 Maryland hosts No. 11 Duke. It’s been nearly a decade since the Terrapins left for the Big Ten, but the memories of their battles with the Blue Devils remain fresh. The teams last met in the 2015 NCAA Tournament, with Maryland prevailing en route to the Final Four.
It’s going to be electric in College Park. Our fans have been looking forward to this game since it was announced.
– Maryland coach Brenda Frese
Both squads are off to 2-0 starts under veteran leaders. Maryland’s Brenda Frese, in her 23rd season, matches wits with Duke’s Kara Lawson, now in her fifth year at the helm. The game features a blend of established stars and emerging talents, setting the stage for a compelling contest that bridges the past and present of this storied rivalry.
From a Final Four rematch to new eras dawning to a legendary coach honored and old foes reuniting, the first Sunday of the women’s college basketball season offers a captivating array of storylines and matchups. These early tests will begin to reveal the contenders and pretenders in the chase for the 2025 national championship. Buckle up for a thrilling ride as the season shifts into high gear right out of the gates.
