A guaranteed highlight: Tara VerDerveer will pass Mike Krzyzewski atop all-time list for wins
The Stanford and Cal women’s basketball programs go into their final season of Pac-12 play with something to prove.
“We love playing against Pac-12 competition,” said Tara VanDerveer, in her 38th season coaching at Stanford and 45th as a collegiate head coach. “It’s sad and hard to believe it’s the last time we’re going to be playing these teams. It’s very surreal for me. But I’m really focused on this year, this team, and having a great season.”
But those late-season losses cost the Cardinal sole possession of the Pac-12 regular season title, then produced a semifinal exit in the Pac-12 Tournament and, worst of all, a second-round NCAA Tournament loss at home to No. 8 seed Mississippi. Stanford actually has four returning starters led by 6-4 All-America Cameron Brink, whose summer highlight was being named MVP at the 3×3 FIBA World Cup off a gold medal U.S. run. Hannah Jump, Talana Lepolo and Kiki Iriafen also started on a 29-6 team that went 15-3 in the Pac-12.
The Cardinal open at home Wednesday against Hawaii. They also host No. 9 Indiana on Nov. 12 and future ACC opponent Duke on Nov. 19.Cal’s 13 wins last season are a high under Smith and a significant improvement since a 1-16 record in the 2020-21 COVID-impacted season. Suarez, Lane, Michelle Onyiah and Claudia Langarita provide size at 6-3 or 6-4. Krimili, per Smith, is a better perimeter defender than anticipated. Fifth-year Leilani McIntosh is a proven point guard and Kemery Martin also returns as a starting guard.Cal, a 93-51 exhibition winner over Westmont on Thursday, opens at home Monday against Cal State Bakersfield. The Bears also have home games against Santa Clara , San Jose State , and Saint Mary’s .
Santa Clara tied for third in the preseason poll — Gonzaga and Portland were 1-2 – the Broncos’ highest placing since being picked third 18 years ago.
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