When discussing the elite head coaches in women's college basketball, Lisa Fortier of Gonzaga deserves a prominent mention. Over her 12-year tenure leading the Bulldogs, she's only missed the NCAA Tournament twice, a remarkable feat given the West Coast Conference's (WCC) usual status as a one-bid league on the women's side.
One of those rare off-seasons was last year, a challenging period for Coach Fortier as she navigated a personal battle with breast cancer while still guiding her team. The 2025-26 campaign presented its own hurdles, with the WCC showcasing formidable depth. Teams like Oregon State, LMU, Santa Clara, and Portland provided stiff competition throughout the regular season.
Despite these challenges, Gonzaga secured a 2-seed in the WCC Tournament. After a dominant semifinal win over Santa Clara, they faced Oregon State in the finals.
The teams had split their previous encounters, setting the stage for a nail-biting showdown. Entering the fourth quarter, Gonzaga held a narrow four-point lead.
Known for their struggles in closing out games, the Bulldogs showed poise under pressure. Led by WCC Player of the Year Lauren Whittaker, who delivered an impressive 26 points and 9 rebounds, Gonzaga clinched a 76-66 victory, earning an automatic NCAA Tournament berth.
Key Takeaways from Gonzaga's Victory
- Winning the Turnover Battle
Turnovers have been a thorn in Gonzaga's side, with the team averaging over 17 per game this season. Even in the semifinals against Santa Clara, they coughed it up 20 times.
However, against Oregon State, they tightened up significantly, committing just eight turnovers. This disciplined play limited the Beavers to a mere six points off turnovers, a crucial factor in the Bulldogs' win.
- Allie Turner’s Big Second Half
Allie Turner, a first-team all-league guard, struggled in the two prior matchups against Oregon State, managing just 1-for-11 from the field. In the title game, she was scoreless in the first half but erupted for 10 points in the third quarter.
Her timely scoring helped Gonzaga maintain their edge during a period when both teams were trading baskets. Turner finished with 14 points, overcoming Oregon State's staunch backcourt defense when it mattered most.
- The Other Standout Freshman Forward
While Lauren Whittaker's 26-point performance rightly grabbed headlines, fellow freshman Jaiden Haile played a pivotal role as well. With Whittaker in foul trouble during both tournament games, Haile stepped up, logging significant minutes.
She posted a double-double against Santa Clara and contributed seven points and five rebounds against Oregon State. Her defensive efforts against the Beavers' bigs were instrumental, proving that Haile is just as vital to Gonzaga's success as any player in the rotation.
This victory not only solidifies Gonzaga's status as WCC champions but also highlights the depth and resilience of a team poised to make waves in the NCAA Tournament.