Washington State Women’s Hoops Looks to Build Momentum Against LMU
After a grueling non-conference slate and a string of tough injuries, Washington State women’s basketball is finally starting to find some rhythm. The Cougars (2-12, 1-0 WCC) return to Beasley Coliseum on Tuesday night to host LMU (6-6, 0-1 WCC) in a West Coast Conference matchup that tips off at 6 p.m.
PT. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
This one marks a chance for WSU to keep the good vibes rolling after opening conference play with a much-needed win. And considering how battle-tested this squad is already-thanks to a brutal early-season schedule and some key players working their way back from injury-the Cougs are looking more and more like a team ready to turn the corner.
A Rough Start, But Not Without Context
At first glance, a 2-12 record might raise eyebrows. But dig a little deeper, and it’s clear this team’s been through the wringer.
WSU opened the season with a non-conference gauntlet that included national powerhouse LSU (No. 5 in the NET rankings), and fellow top-25 opponents Texas Tech (21) and Oregon (25). Add in matchups against Stanford, BYU, Missouri, Seton Hall, and Penn-teams all ranked in the NET top 100 as of Dec. 28-and you’ve got one of the toughest schedules in the country.
And that’s before you factor in the injuries.
Starting center and rim protector Alex Covill missed 11 games with a foot injury after starting the season strong. She returned just in time for WCC play-only to suffer a broken nose in the third quarter of her first game back. Transfer forward Lauren Glazier also missed the first eight games of the year with a foot injury, while leading scorer Eleonora Villa dealt with recurring cramps that limited her early on.
Now, with players returning and the team finally getting some continuity, WSU is hoping the worst is behind them.
Villa Climbing the Record Books
Despite the early-season adversity, Eleonora Villa continues to be a steady force for WSU. The veteran guard has racked up 1,167 career points, which puts her 16th on the program’s all-time scoring list. She’s just 21 points away from moving into 15th, and she’s closing in on several other milestones as well:
- 119 career three-pointers, just 14 shy of cracking WSU’s all-time top 10.
- 462 career field goals, only 38 away from the 500 mark.
- 2,800 career minutes played, with 200 more putting her at 3,000 and 523 away from the program’s top 10.
Villa’s been the engine of this team, and as she continues to climb the record books, her leadership and production will be crucial if the Cougs want to make a run in WCC play.
Covill’s Impact on Both Ends
When healthy, Alex Covill brings a game-changing presence to the paint. She already ranks seventh all-time at WSU with 118 career blocks, and she’s inching closer to a few other statistical milestones-just 50 rebounds away from 250 and 159 points shy of 500.
Her ability to alter shots, rebound, and score inside makes her a key two-way contributor. Getting her back in the rotation-even with a protective mask after her recent nose injury-could be a major turning point for this squad.
Freshman Standouts Making Noise
One of the bright spots in a challenging season has been the emergence of WSU’s young talent, starting with true freshman Malia Ruud. She’s been a revelation early on, averaging 10.1 points in 28.3 minutes per game. Ruud dropped a career-high 19 points against Oregon and added 11 against Stanford-two of the toughest opponents on WSU’s schedule.
She’s shooting a strong 44.9% from the field (57-127), and among true freshmen nationally with at least 57 made field goals, she ranks 15th in field goal percentage. Add in 51 rebounds, 11 blocks, and 12 steals, and Ruud is showing she can contribute in all phases.
Another name to watch? Keandra Koorits.
The redshirt freshman made a splash in her WSU debut, pouring in 23 points-matching the highest debut scoring total by a Cougar freshman since Charlisse Leger-Walker in 2021. Koorits’ performance ranks fourth all-time in WSU history for a freshman debut, and it’s the most since Lia Galdeira’s 33-point explosion back in 2012.
And then there’s Malvina Haziri, the youngest active player in Division I women’s basketball. The freshman guard from Kosovo just turned 17 on Tuesday, Dec. 30, and she’s already logging minutes at the college level. Her development will be one to watch as the season progresses.
Series History: Cougs Hold the Edge
Tuesday’s game marks the sixth all-time meeting between WSU and LMU. The Cougars lead the series 4-1, including a 63-51 win in Pullman last season. Their only loss to LMU came on the road in Los Angeles (Jan. 25), but WSU bounced back in the rematch.
With conference play heating up, this matchup offers WSU a chance to build on its early WCC success and continue re-establishing itself after a brutal start.
Looking Ahead
After Tuesday’s home tilt, the Cougs hit the road for two more WCC battles. They’ll face Portland on Friday, Jan. 2 at 6 p.m., followed by a trip to Seattle U on Sunday, Jan. 4 at 1 p.m. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.
Ethridge Extended Through 2031
WSU made a clear commitment to its women’s basketball program earlier this year, announcing a one-year contract extension for head coach Kamie Ethridge, keeping her in Pullman through the 2030-31 season. Ethridge has built a strong foundation, and despite this season’s early setbacks, the Cougars appear to be laying the groundwork for a strong second half.
Tickets Available
Single-game tickets for the 2025 season are on sale now. Fans can purchase online at wsucougars.com or by calling the WSU Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-GO-COUGS.
Bottom Line: The Cougars have taken their lumps early, but with players getting healthy and young talent stepping up, this team is far from done. Tuesday’s matchup with LMU is more than just a conference game-it’s a chance to show that WSU’s toughest days may already be behind them.