Gonzaga University’s women’s basketball program is gearing up for an exciting 2025-26 season, as head coach Lisa Fortier unveiled the team’s nonconference schedule on Wednesday. With a focus on creating a competitive slate, Fortier aims to enhance the Zags’ chances for NCAA Tournament seeding.
Nonconference Schedule Overview
Fortier reflects on the previous season’s nonconference challenges, stating, “It’s going to be tough,” as last year’s schedule turned out to be more demanding than anticipated. The Zags had a 5-6 record during that stretch but finished strong with an overall mark of 24-11, clinching the West Coast Conference (WCC) regular-season title at 17-3.
Key Highlights from Last Season
In the previous season, Gonzaga demonstrated resilience by making it to the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT), where they reached the quarterfinals. Their robust performance, particularly a notable victory over No. 3-ranked Stanford, played a pivotal role in helping the team secure a host position for the NCAA Tournament’s initial rounds, ultimately advancing to the Sweet 16.
Upcoming Season Breakdown
The nonconference schedule includes 13 games that Fortier believes will set the Zags up for success if they perform well. The season begins with an exhibition against Carroll College on November 2, followed by two road games against North Dakota State on November 7 and Toledo on November 9.
Home Games
Returning to familiar territory, Gonzaga will face Colorado State on November 13 and host Stanford on November 16. The Bulldogs will then play a neutral-site game against South Dakota State at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on November 20. Following this, they will compete at home against Eastern Washington on November 23.
Florida Invitational
Later in the month, they will participate in the Gulf Coast Showcase in Estero, Florida. The Zags are set to clash with Indiana on November 28—marking their first-ever matchup—and will face either Iowa State or Marquette on November 30, both teams they have met previously.
Final Nonconference Games
Gonzaga concludes its nonconference action with away games against Missouri State on December 19 and UC Riverside on December 21. They competed against Missouri State last year at the Paradise Jam.
Historical Context
This year’s games against Stanford and Eastern Washington continue established rivalries, while Gonzaga also has a history with Toledo and South Dakota State. The matchup against Colorado State is a return game after last season’s encounter in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Competitive Landscape
Last year, eight of Gonzaga’s nonconference opponents finished in the top 100 of the NCAA’s NET rankings, with four making it to the NCAA Tournament. Fortier emphasizes the importance of this challenging schedule as a means to improve the Zags’ position in selections and seedings for NCAA contention.
Specific game times and television coverage will be clarified in the future, while WCC scheduling details are expected to be shared in September.
