Gonzaga Bulldogs Dominate First Round of NCAA Women’s Tournament

In Spokane, Washington, the Gonzaga Bulldogs demonstrated their resilience and skill as they overcame an early deficit to secure a convincing 75-56 victory over UC Irvine in the first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament.

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Gonzaga, seeded fourth, faced a tough challenge as they fell behind by 11 points in the first half. However, led by standout performer Yvonne Ejim, who contributed 25 points and 14 rebounds, the Bulldogs refused to back down.

Coach Lisa Fortier praised her team’s ability to bounce back from a slow start, emphasizing their toughness and determination. Despite struggling from beyond the arc initially, shooting 0-for-10 from 3-point range in the first quarter, Gonzaga found their rhythm and dominated the remainder of the game.

Brynna Maxwell’s sharp shooting and a strong defensive effort helped Gonzaga ignite a crucial 21-2 run spanning the end of the first half and the beginning of the third quarter, seizing control of the game.

The energy of the sellout crowd, including a fervent student section, provided an additional boost for the Bulldogs, who fed off the enthusiasm to maintain their intensity throughout the game.

UC Irvine put up a valiant effort, with Nevaeh Parkinson and Moulayna Johnson Sidi Baba leading the charge, but ultimately couldn’t withstand Gonzaga’s relentless offensive onslaught.

With this victory, Gonzaga advances to the second round, where they will face either Utah or South Dakota State, aiming to secure their first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 2015.

In conclusion, Gonzaga’s impressive performance in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament showcased their resilience, skill, and determination, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting journey ahead in the tournament.