In a triumphant homecoming, the Stanford women's basketball team, unranked at the start of the season for the first time in 25 years, has remained undefeated on their newly named home court, Tara VanDerveer Court at Maples Pavilion. Riding the emotional high of a pregame ceremony honoring the retired coach, the Cardinal used a dominant first quarter to propel them to an 89-58 blowout win against Gonzaga on Sunday.

Honoring a Legend, Delivering a Masterclass

Celebrating Tara VanDerveer's Legacy

The pregame ceremony to officially name the court after legendary coach Tara VanDerveer set the stage for an inspired performance from the Cardinal. Head coach Kate Paye acknowledged the significance of the occasion, stating, "This was a really special day, obviously, with the court naming ceremony. And I think our team, our staff, knew that the best way we could honor Tara on a day like today was to play really well."

Offensive Fireworks on Tara VanDerveer Court

The Cardinal offense wasted no time in showcasing their prowess, opening the game with a dominant 26-4 run in the first quarter. Stanford's three-point shooting, which has been a hallmark of their game, was on full display, as they connected on 13 triples in the contest. Redshirt junior guard Jzaniya Harriel led the way with four made three-pointers, highlighting the team's perimeter firepower.

Balanced Approach Fuels Stanford's Success

The Cardinal's offensive onslaught was not limited to the three-point line. Sophomore forward Nunu Agara spearheaded the attack in the paint, scoring 16 points, while the team also drew frequent fouls, earning 16 points from the free-throw line. Sophomore guard Chloe Clardy praised the team's balanced approach, stating, "We put in work to our shot. Not every game it's going to fall, but we still have other things that we hang our hat on. We are going to play hard defense every game. We are going to play hard for each other."

Stifling Defense Fuels Blowout Victory

The Stanford defense was equally impressive, recording five blocks and 10 steals, which led to 16 points off turnovers. The Cardinal's defensive intensity was particularly effective in the first and third quarters, limiting Gonzaga to just 13 points combined during those periods.

Revenge on the Minds of the Cardinal

Sunday's victory held special significance for the Stanford squad, as it provided an opportunity for redemption after last season's clash with Gonzaga. The Bulldogs had snapped the Cardinal's nine-game winning streak with a 96-78 upset, which was Stanford's worst defeat in nearly four years. Clardy expressed the team's determination to avenge that loss, stating, "Obviously, we didn't like what happened last year. We had a bad taste in our mouth and wanted to get our getback."

Bench Contributions Crucial to Cardinal's Success

The Stanford bench unit played a crucial role in the team's quest for revenge, contributing 41 points compared to Gonzaga's 28. Sophomore forward Mary Ashley Stevenson, a transfer from Purdue, came off the bench to add nine points, quickly settling into her new role at Stanford.

A New Era Dawns on Tara VanDerveer Court

The newly named Tara VanDerveer Court at Maples Pavilion has become a source of pride for the Stanford basketball program. Head coach Kate Paye shared her excitement about the court's new name, stating, "It was really cool right before the game started to hear the announcer saying, 'For the first time ever, welcome to Tara VanDerveer Court at Maples Pavilion.' It definitely gave me chills."As the Cardinal look ahead, they will be back in action on Tara VanDerveer Court on Wednesday when they host UC Davis. The team's unwavering determination and the energy of their home court are sure to propel them to continued success in the season ahead.