Breaking: Washington State Women Ready To Face Seton Hall In Historic first-Ever Meeting
Washington State women’s basketball is set to host Seton Hall in what marks the programs’ inaugural,all-time matchup. The game stands as a milestone for both squads as they tip off a season defined by standout freshmen and rapid development across the roster.
Freshmen Making a Difference In A Breakout Start
Redshirt freshman Keandra Koorits sparked a standout debut on November 3, scoring 23 points-the most by a WSU freshman since charlisse Leger‑Walker in early 2021.Koorits’ 23 points also ranks as the fourth‑highest by any Cougars freshman in a debut, and the top mark by a freshman debut as Lia galdeira’s 33 against Minnesota on November 10, 2012.
True freshman Mali Ruud has quickly become a catalytic presence, averaging 10.2 points in about 27 and a half minutes per game. Her most prolific performances so far include 11 points against Stanford and a career-high 19 against Oregon. She sits at 46-of-99 from the field, shooting 46.5% with 45 rebounds, 10 blocks and nine steals this season.
Ruud Tops Her Freshman Class On The Scoreboard
Ruud’s field‑goal percentage stands at .465 (46-of-99), ranking seventh nationally among all freshmen with at least 46 made field goals and sixth among true freshmen nationwide.
Youngest Talent In The Country
Malvina Haziri, a freshman guard from Kosovo, is the youngest active player in NCAA Division I basketball at 16 years old. She will turn 17 on December 30, 2025.
Season Outlook And programme Milestones
In the lead‑up to the season, the Cougars were pegged to finish third in the West Coast Conference by both coaches and media, marking the program’s second‑best preseason pick in conference history. The franchise has previously been projected second in the 2024-25 season and held similar high marks in 1991-92 during the Pac‑10 era and 2023-24 in the Pac‑12 era.
Kamie Ethridge secured a one‑year contract extension on March 4, ensuring she remains at the helm through the 2030-31 season. Fans can still purchase single‑game tickets for the 2025 season; data is available online or via the WSU Athletics Ticket office.
From The Court To The Courtroom Of History
As one of the nation’s most anticipated early-season meetings, this matchup offers a glimpse into how debuting stars like Koorits and Ruud are shaping WSU’s ceiling. Their rapid development could become a blueprint for how programs leverage freshmen to accelerate competitiveness in a crowded national landscape.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Keandra Koorits | Debut: 23 points on Nov. 3; most by a WSU freshman as 2021; fourth-most in program history for a freshman debut |
| Mali Ruud | True freshman; 10.2 PPG in 27.4 MPG; career-high 19 vs Oregon; 46-of-99 FG; 45 rebounds; 10 blocks; 9 steals |
| Ruud’s FG% Ranking | .465 FG (46-of-99); 7th nationally among freshmen with 46+ FGM; 6th among all true freshmen |
| malvina Haziri | 16 years old; youngest active NCAA Division I player; turns 17 on 12/30/2025 |
| Preseason Projection | Picked 3rd in WCC by coaches and media; second-best conference preseason pick historically for WSU |
| Kamie Ethridge Extension | One-year contract extension through 2030-31 |
Single-game tickets for the 2025 season are on sale now. Fans are encouraged to visit the official site to order online or contact the athletics ticket office for assistance. Stay connected with the Cougars for the latest news and updates through social channels.
Two Quick Reads For The Road
Freshmen are redefining expected trajectories in college women’s basketball, with early returns showing important impact on team chemistry and depth. The Seton Hall clash offers a concrete gauge of how far WSU’s latest recruiting wave can push a program toward conference and national prominence.
As the season progresses,keep an eye on how these young talents translate their early success into consistency across tougher opposition and longer campaigns. The evolving story of WSU’s freshmen could mirror broader shifts in the sport’s development at the college level.
engage With The game
Which freshman performance this season has impressed you most and why?
What matchup or factor do you think will decide the historic first meeting against Seton Hall?
