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Thomas Christensen

Women's Basketball

Breakdown With Blanche Volume Six: Establishing Our Identity

Hey Torero Family,

As we move deeper into league play, our 2025-2026 team continues to establish who we are — our culture, our identity, and what it means to compete every single night in the West Coast Conference, one of the premier conferences in the country.
Growth isn't always linear, but it's been consistent. We've had nine games decided by single digits, and those moments are teaching us how to execute, stay poised, and trust each other when it matters most. That experience is shaping us. At home, that work is showing — we've won three of our last five games at the Jenny Craig Pavilion and we're learning how to protect home court.
Individually, we're seeing some special performances:
  • Kylie Ray continues to shine, currently ranking third in the conference in scoring, while also ranking in the Top 15 in rebounding and field goal percentage, and first in free throw percentage. Her consistency and competitiveness set the tone for us every night.
  • Olivia Owens is having a tremendous all-around season, sitting at 18th in scoring and 13th in rebounding among all WCC players — and she's taken another leap lately, averaging 19 points per game over our last four contests while impacting the game on both ends of the floor. On February 9, she earned her first-ever conference award when she was named the WCC Freshman of the Week.
  • Hallie Rhodes has also emerged as a key offensive piece, currently ranking at 23rd among WCC scorers, bringing confidence and toughness to our lineup.
We also had a dominant interior performance earlier this month, as Eva Ruse (now ranked 12th in the conference in rebounding) posted a huge 20-point, 18-rebound effort against Seattle U — a reflection of the toughness and physicality we're continuing to build as a team.

This past month has been incredibly meaningful for our program. February 7th's over the Redhawks highlighted not just progress on the court, but the power of our community. Alumni Weekend brought together multiple generations of former players, featuring fellowship, connection, and celebration of the women who built this program. Pairing that with our Play4Kay / Pink Game made it even more special as we honored Breast Cancer Awareness and supported a cause bigger than basketball. It was a beautiful reflection of who we are.

The energy inside Jenny Craig Pavilion continues to grow. We're currently fifth in attendance in the conference, and the atmosphere you all are helping create is a true home-court advantage. We love playing in the Jenny and are committed to continuing to protect it.

We'll close out our regular-season schedule with two key home matchups, hosting Oregon State on February 26 before taking on Pacific on February 28 in what will mark our Senior Day at the JCP. We hope you all can join us as we make our push toward the postseason and celebrate our 2026 graduating class.

We are learning. We are growing. We are competing.


That's Torero Time.

Grateful for your support always,

Blanche
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Players Mentioned

Eva Ruse

#15 Eva Ruse

Forward
6' 2"
Sophomore
Hallie Rhodes

#20 Hallie Rhodes

Guard
5' 11"
Senior
Kylie Ray

#6 Kylie Ray

Guard
5' 8"
Sophomore
Olivia  Owens

#24 Olivia Owens

Guard
5' 10"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Eva Ruse

#15 Eva Ruse

6' 2"
Sophomore
Forward
Hallie Rhodes

#20 Hallie Rhodes

5' 11"
Senior
Guard
Kylie Ray

#6 Kylie Ray

5' 8"
Sophomore
Guard
Olivia  Owens

#24 Olivia Owens

5' 10"
Freshman
Guard