There are plenty of ways to put pressure on the Gonzaga women’s basketball team, so a little thing like being host for the first weekend of the NCAA tournament – which translates into being expected to be there – doesn’t change things much.
“We’ve always approached it as the next game is the only thing that’s important,” veteran coach Kelly Graves said. “We’ve been fortunate to have the kind of group that is able to focus one step at a time, but it’s out there. I think it’s a really good incentive. We’re going to welcome that kind of pressure, or however you want to put it, to ensure that we’re playing at home at the end of the year.”
The Bulldogs started practice Monday – new legislation allowed women’s teams to start as early as Sunday – with a goal of reaching the NCAA tournament for the third straight season and fourth overall, all under Graves, who is starting his 11th season.
Last season was the high-water mark for the Zags, a trip to the Sweet 16 and a Top 20 ranking to go with their sixth straight West Coast Conference title.
“We recruit players that are driven; we’re driven,” Graves said. “Not to put pressure on, our girls have handled pressure for years. It’s not as if this is the first time we’ve gone into the season as the reigning champ or the team to beat. We’re a little bit used to it.”
Then he pointed to all the banners in the rafters at McCarthey Athletic Center and added, “Let’s face it, it’s part of the culture here at GU.”
If the Bulldogs could make another trip to the Sweet 16 it would be much easier than it was last year when they went to Sacramento and lost to Xavier to finish 29-5. After the Bulldogs host first- and second-round games, Washington State will be hosting a regional at the Spokane Arena for the third time.
