Gonzaga Wins Consolation Championship in Vancouver

The Gonzaga women hit a season-high seven threes, led wire-to-wire, and defeated Western Kentucky 76-55 to win the Consolation Championship at the Vancouver Showcase. The Zags are now 6-1 on the season.

Katie Campbell came out firing in the first half and led Gonzaga with 12 points on four 3s. Campbell is now a ridiculous 14-for-27 (52%) from deep this season. Jessie Loera added a fifth three and the Zags took a 32-26 lead into the break, despite shooting just 35 percent and 5-for-11 from the line.

In the third quarter, Gonzaga’s seniors took over. Laura Stockton, Zykera Rice, and Chandler Smith combined for 19 of their 23 points as the Bulldogs extended their lead to 55-38. The teams traded baskets in the fourth quarter and Gonzaga was never threatened. Once again, Gonzaga’s defense held an opponent to under 40 percent shooting. Western Kentucky finished at a 39 percent clip, including just 4-for-14 from deep.

A season-high five Zags ended in double figures, led by Campbell’s 12 points, as they used another balanced offensive attack. They capitalized on 17 offensive rebounds with 19 second chance points.

It was unfortunate that Gonzaga got matched up with Notre Dame in the first round, but they regrouped and got two decisive victories to build on. They now come home to face Colorado State on Wednesday before hosting undefeated and #8 Stanford on Sunday afternoon.