20 years, 20 McCarthey memories: As Gonzaga women’s basketball wins mounted, crowds grew and legends were made

Nov. 1—McCarthey Athletic Center has been home to 262 victories for the Gonzaga women’s basketball team since its opening in 2004-05.

The Spokesman-Review takes a look at the top 20 memories/moments since the first dribbles and baskets in the 6,000-seat arena.

First win

Gonzaga christened its new arena with an 87-41 win over Utah Valley before 1,644 on Nov. 20, 2004. Five players scored in double figures led by Reanna Jewell, who had 20 to go with eight rebounds. Stephanie Hawk had 11 points and six rebounds, Shannon Mathews had 10 points and nine assists and Ashley Burke added 10 points.

Fast start

Gonzaga went undefeated at home, 14-0, to open McCarthey. The Zags’ first loss in the new arena came in the third home game in 2005-06, a 72-60 setback to Montana before a crowd of 1,724 — quite low considering the crowds the Zags attract 20 years later.

First postseason game

San Francisco defeated Gonzaga 75-67 in a West Coast Conference Tournament game March 2, 2006. Ashley Anderson led the Zags with 20 points and four steals, Stephanie Hawk had 14 points and seven rebounds and Anne Bailey added 13 points and five rebounds.

Former area players return

Gonzaga lost 81-66 at home against Arizona State on Dec. 6, 2006, before a crowd of 3,418. The game was a homecoming of sorts for four Wildcats — Emily Westerberg of Central Valley, Briann January of Lewis and Clark, Reagan Pariseau of CV and Aubree Johnson of Post Falls. Westerberg led ASU with 20 points.

Washington’s first visit

Gonzaga knocked off Washington 91-72 in front of 2,352 on Nov. 12, 2007. Former Lewis and Clark standout Katelan Redmon had six points for the Huskies. Heather Bowman led the Zags with 21 points and six rebounds, Janelle Bekkering had 20 points, Jami Bjorklund had 17 points and 10 rebounds and Michelle Elliott added 10 points. Redmon transferred to Gonzaga and she poured in 18 points in an 81-52 win over the Huskies on Nov. 22, 2009, in front of a crowd of 4,259. Courtney Vandersloot added 18 points and 11…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/20-years-20-mccarthey-memories-035900689.html

Author : The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.

Publish date : 2024-11-02 03:59:00

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