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From Blue Blood to Bumps: Stanford Women's Basketball Seeks Rebound
2 Jan
Summary
- Stanford women's basketball missed NCAA Tournament for first time in 36 years.
- Kate Paye's team aims to rebound after a tough 74-46 road loss to NC State.
- Freshman Lara Somfai is averaging double-doubles in points and rebounds.
Stanford's women's basketball team, historically a blue blood program, is working to rebound after a disappointing 2023-24 season. After a 36-year streak of NCAA Tournament appearances, the Cardinal missed the event for the first time in the Reagan Administration era. Under first-year head coach Kate Paye, the team seeks to restore its championship pedigree.
Currently, the Cardinal are showing signs of improvement, boasting 12 victories early in the season, bolstered by talented rookies like Lara Somfai and Hailee Swain. However, a recent 74-46 road loss to North Carolina State highlighted persistent issues with turnovers and offensive execution, problems that plagued them throughout the previous season. This defeat underscored the challenge of securing crucial conference road wins.
Despite the setback, the program is building with a focus on developing freshmen rather than relying heavily on transfers, a strategy that emphasizes loyalty and continuity. As they prepare for their next challenge against the No. 15 North Carolina Tar Heels, Stanford aims to improve offensive execution and prove they can compete consistently, especially in challenging road environments, to secure a return to the NCAA Tournament.
