After clinching the 2026 West Coast Conference Tournament title in Las Vegas, the Gonzaga Bulldogs women’s team is riding high. With a solid record of 24-9 overall and 14-4 in the WCC, they’ve earned the No. 12 seed in the Sacramento region. Coach Lisa Fortier’s squad is set to face off against the No. 5 seed Ole Miss Rebels at the Williams Arena in Minneapolis on Friday, March 20.
These teams have some history on the big stage. The last time they met in the NCAA Tournament, Ole Miss came out on top with a decisive 71-48 victory in the 2023 opener. But this is a new year, and the Zags are ready to rewrite the script.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Gonzaga is heading into this matchup as a 14.5-point underdog against Ole Miss. The betting lines have the Zags’ moneyline at -1500, while the Rebels are at +790. It's a tall order, but March Madness is known for its surprises.
Coach Fortier is no stranger to the intensity of March Madness. Since taking the helm in 2014, she’s led Gonzaga to the tournament nine times, showcasing her knack for getting the most out of her team when it matters most. The Bulldogs have made it to the Big Dance 16 times since 2007, a testament to the program's consistency and strength.
Fortier has guided her team to the second weekend of the tournament twice, in 2015 and 2024. As they gear up for this year’s challenge, the Zags are looking to channel that past success and make another deep run. With the right mix of strategy and determination, anything is possible on the court.