It’s not the biggest of dances but at least the Gonzaga women’s basketball team was selected. For the five departing players, it’s one more home game.

The Washington State women were given a first-round bye in the 48-team Women’s National Invitation Tournament.

If there’s a consolation prize in college basketball, then the Gonzaga women received it Sunday.

Postseason play remains a legitimate aspiration for the Gonzaga and Washington State women’s basketball teams.

LAS VEGAS – If you had played the odds and bet an Eastern Washington team would make the West Coast Tournament women’s championship game, chances are you would have had a winner.

LAS VEGAS – Lisa Fortier confessed: A year ago, she and her players lied when her Gonzaga women’s basketball team seemed emotionally demolished after an upset loss to Portland.

For a third straight season, the Gonzaga women's basketball team exits the Orleans Arena on the wrong side of a close game

LAS VEGAS – If Gonzaga is going to win the West Coast Conference Tournament for the first time since 2021-22 – and the fifth time under coach Lisa Fortier – it’ll likely have to beat a team for a third straight time this season.

The Zags are finally at full strength heading into the West Coast Conference Tournament. Two-time WCC Player of the Year Yvonne Ejim has led the Zags in scoring at 20.7 points per game and true freshman point guard Allie Turner, who has been impressive since the season’s opening tip, is the second-leading scorer at 13.3 ppg. 

The reigning best and the future were celebrated in West Coast Conference honors announced Tuesday. At least as far as Gonzaga is concerned.

Gonzaga and Portland are clearly the best two teams in the West Coast Conference.