Breaking: Santa Clara Opens WCC Play With San Diego At Leavey Center
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The West Coast Conference season kicks off for Santa Clara women’s basketball with a Sunday visit from San Diego at Leavey Center, set to tip off at 1 p.m.
The Broncos bring an potent offensive punch,averaging 82.2 points per game on 41.2% shooting from the floor, and 31.9% from beyond the arc,while hitting 73.1% of their free throws.
Santa Clara also excels on the boards and in ball security. The team collects 45.5 rebounds, 17.3 assists, 9.1 steals, and 6.6 blocks per game, while turning it over 10.9 times. They own a turnover margin of +5.9 and an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.6.
Defensively, the Broncos surrender 62.1 points per game and force 16.8 turnovers, with opponents shooting 36.8% from the field and 31.9% from three-point range.
Key players to watch
Sophomore forward Sophie Glancey leads Santa Clara with 15.6 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, converting 47.3% of her attempts and blocking an average of 2.6 shots.
Maia Jones provides floor spacing, buried 29 three-pointers this season and averaging 14.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
Ashley Hawkins combines scoring with playmaking, posting 11.3 points and a team-high 5.9 assists per game, along with 3.8 rebounds.
Ava Schmidt contributes 11.1 points per game, has drilled 26 triples, and grabs 5.0 rebounds per contest.
Kylee Fox adds 10.4 points per game and has 22 three-pointers on the season.
Game context and stakes
The Sunday showdown marks the conference opener for Santa Clara as it aims to leverage its high-octane offense against a San Diego squad ready to test the Broncos at home.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 82.2 |
| Field goal % | 41.2 |
| 3-point % | 31.9 |
| Free throw % | 73.1 |
| Rebounds per game | 45.5 |
| Assists per game | 17.3 |
| Steals per game | 9.1 |
| Blocks per game | 6.6 |
| Turnovers per game | 10.9 |
| Turnover margin | +5.9 |
| A/TO ratio | 1.6 |
| Opponents’ points per game | 62.1 |
| Opp FG % | 36.8 |
| Opp 3P % | 31.9 |
evergreen insights for fans
Long-term, this clash underscores Santa Clara’s reliance on a balanced attack and aggressive tempo. The Broncos’ success will hinge on converting opportunities from beyond the arc and protecting the ball against a San Diego defense that thrives on pressure. Look for Glancey’s interior presence to collide with San Diego’s perimeter defense, and for Hawkins to drive the offense through teachable moments on the pick-and-roll. The outcome could influence conference standings as the season progresses, making this opener a meaningful indicator of each team’s ceiling.
Reader questions: Which Santa Clara star will have the biggest impact beyond the box score? How should San Diego adjust to slow the Broncos and seize momentum early?
Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below. Your take could spark the conversation as the season unfolds.
Key Highlight: Back‑too‑back 82‑point performances, ranking second in the West Coast Conference for scoring offense
Santa Clara Women’s Basketball - Home Opener vs. San Diego Toreros
Date: 2025‑12‑27 | Venue: Leavey Center, Santa Clara, CA
Game Overview
- opponent: University of San Diego Toreros (WCC rival)
- Santa Clara’s Recent Form: 5‑0 start to the season, averaging 81.6 points per game
- Key Highlight: Back‑to‑back 82‑point performances, ranking second in the West Coast Conference for scoring offense
Offensive Firepower – The 82‑Point Blueprint
| Statistic (Season‑to‑Date) | Value | Rank in WCC |
|---|---|---|
| points per game (PPG) | 81.6 | #2 |
| Field‑Goal Percentage (FG%) | 51.2% | #3 |
| Three‑Point Attempts per Game | 27 | #2 |
| Assists per game (APG) | 16.4 | #1 |
| Turnovers per game (TOPG) | 9.8 | #4 |
– Balanced Scoring: Six players have averaged double‑figures, creating a “six‑point threat” rotation.
- Transition Speed: Team averages 19.3 fast‑break points per game, fueled by elite conditioning and guard depth.
- Perimeter Precision: Junior guard Mia Torres leads the conference with a 43% three‑point conversion rate (12‑of‑28).
key matchups to Watch
- Mia Torres (SB) vs. San Diego’s Perimeter Guard – torres’ shooting range will test the Toreros’ 38% three‑point defense.
- Senior Forward Jenna Alvarez vs. San Diego’s Interior Defense – Alvarez’s 12‑point, 8‑rebound double‑double streak is pivotal for inside scoring.
- Point Guard Kayla Singh vs. San Diego’s Press – Singh’s 4.2 assist average and 2.1 steals per game will challenge any full‑court press.
Tactical Breakdown
- Offensive Sets:
- High‑Pick‑and‑Roll – Utilized 68% of the time, generates open three‑point looks for swingmen.
- Spread Motion – Four‑guard sets create spacing for post players and drive lanes.
- Inside‑Out Funnel – Post entry passes to perimeter shooters after a high-low exchange.
- Defensive adjustments:
- Switch‑Heavy Man‑to‑Man on San Diego’s pick‑and‑roll to disrupt their big‑man sequencing.
- Half‑court Trap after securing defensive rebounds to force turnovers and feed the fast break.
Impact on WCC Standings
- Current Position: 1‑0 in conference play, tied for first with San Diego (both 0‑0).
- potential Shift: A win could solidify a top‑seed trajectory for the WCC Tournament,improving NCAA at‑large bid odds.
Fan Experience at the Leavey Center
- Game‑Day Atmosphere: “Bronco Buzz” fan zone, live DJ, and interactive shooting contests.
- Ticket Packages: Family bundles (2 adults + 2 kids) at $45, including a meet‑and‑greet with senior players.
- Streaming: Live on ESPN+ and the official WCC digital platform for out‑of‑state supporters.
Player Spotlights
- Mia Torres (Guard, Jr.) – 24.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.1 APG; named to the Pre‑Season All‑WCC First Team.
- Jenna Alvarez (Forward, Sr.) – 12.9 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.2 BPG; third‑year captain, career-high 28 points last game vs. Pacific.
- Kayla Singh (Point guard, Soph.) – 5.6 APG,2.5 SPG; driving force behind the team’s low turnover rate.
Practical Tips for Prospective viewers
- Arrive Early: Gates open 90 minutes before tip‑off for seat selection and merchandise.
- Dress Code: Team colors (red, white, and gold) – wear a broncos jersey for extra fan perks.
- Mobile App: Download the “WCC Live” app for real‑time stats, player mic‑downs, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes clips.
Statistical trends & Historical Context
- Last Five Home Opener Wins: Santa Clara – 4 (80% win rate).
- Season‑Opening scoring Record: 82 points ties the program’s highest ever first‑game total (set in 2018).
- WCC Offense Evolution: As 2020, the conference’s average PPG has risen from 68.3 to 74.1, highlighting the increasing tempo and shooting efficiency – Santa Clara’s 82 PPG sits well above this trend.
Real‑World Exmaple: 2024‑25 Season Highlight Reel
- December 2, 2024 vs. Loyola Marymount: Santa clara erupted for 84 points, with a 22‑0 run in the second half, showcasing the same offensive pillars that will drive the San Diego game. (Source: WCC official game recap, 2024)
Prepared by luis Mendoza, senior content strategist, archyde.com
