Gonzaga’s women’s basketball team is determined to avoid the pitfalls that plagued them in last season’s West Coast Conference play. San Francisco, featuring a revamped roster, once again poses a challenge that the Bulldogs are eager to conquer.
Women’s basketball: Gonzaga looks to avoid struggles against new-look San Francisco – Tue, 13 Jan 2026 PST
Key Takeaways:
- Gonzaga struggled against San Francisco in last year’s WCC regular season.
- San Francisco has undergone notable changes and is described as “new-look.”
- There is a sense of surprise surrounding which team caused Gonzaga the most trouble.
- The article originates from The Spokesman on January 13, 2026.
- Gonzaga’s aim is to build on lessons from last season’s contests.
Gonzaga’s Surprise Last Season
Gonzaga’s women’s basketball program has long enjoyed a strong reputation within the West Coast Conference. Yet, as the team navigated its regular-season schedule a year ago, one opponent emerged as an unexpected challenge: San Francisco. According to the original report, “It may surprise some which women’s basketball team caused Gonzaga more difficulty in West Coast Conference regular-season play a year ago,” referencing how the Dons managed to unsettle the perennial powerhouse.
A “New-Look” San Francisco
San Francisco’s roster or dynamics, often referred to as “new-look,” marks a significant shift from previous years. Although details on precise changes remain sparse, there is a clear indication that the Dons have retooled and are ready to defend their reputation as a formidable adversary. This transformation keeps anticipation high for what promises to be a thrilling conference match-up.
The WCC Context
The West Coast Conference regularly hosts spirited rivalries, and Gonzaga typically finds itself atop the standings. However, upsets are not uncommon. Last year’s encounter between Gonzaga and San Francisco offered a reminder that no game is guaranteed, even for dominant teams. For fans, this adds intrigue: the notion that surprises can come from any corner of the conference.
The Road Ahead for Gonzaga
Looking to learn from last season’s challenges, the Bulldogs enter this matchup motivated to show they have addressed the issues that led to those unexpected struggles. While details on the team’s adjustments are not fully disclosed, the unmistakable goal is ensuring history does not repeat itself. As Gonzaga prepares for another competitive WCC run, eyes remain on this meeting with San Francisco as an early test of the Bulldogs’ readiness.