Swanson: For UCLA Women’s Basketball, It’s Now or Never
The Bruins return with the core of a team that was ranked No. 1 for months last season before falling to eventual champion UConn in the Final Four. The question remains: when will they have a better shot at a national title?
UCLA’s Moment to Seize
LOS ANGELES — It’s now or never for the third-ranked UCLA women’s basketball team. Or, if not never — then at least now or sometime soon. Coach Cori Close’s Bruins face a rare window to claim their first national championship. Senior standout Gabriela Jaquez describes their progress as a steady, upward climb.
“We need to dominate teams like UC Santa Barbara,” Jaquez said after the Bruins won their matinee home opener before thousands of school-aged fans.
Chasing the Championship Dream
Since Kiki Rice committed to UCLA in 2022, she set a goal to be part of the program’s first national title team. The Bruins lost consecutive Sweet 16 games to the eventual champions in 2023 and 2024. Last season, they made it to the NCAA title game doorstep in Tampa, Florida, but their run ended abruptly in the semifinals.
“The clock struck midnight abruptly,” reflecting their national semifinal defeat to Connecticut.
The Huskies handed UCLA an 85-51 loss on April 4, echoing a dominant victory UCLA had earlier in the season over teams they aim to consistently control.
Looking Ahead
- UCLA continues to build on years of growth under Coach Cori Close.
- The team’s experience against top opponents fuels their determination.
- Key players like Gabriela Jaquez and Kiki Rice are poised to lead UCLA toward a title.
Whether this is the Bruins' final shot or simply a building block toward future success, the program’s momentum positions them as strong contenders.
“If they can convert on Kiki Rice’s goal to be part of the program’s first national championship team, this could be their moment.”
Author’s summary: UCLA women’s basketball stands at a critical juncture, fueled by experienced players and persistent growth, aiming to finally secure their elusive national championship.