SEATTLE - Seattle University women’s basketball (1-0) carries its first victory of the season into its first home contest of 2026, welcoming UC Riverside (1-0) to the Redhawk Center on November 6 at 6:00 PM.
The Redhawks captured the 63-62 victory on Monday over New Mexico, to secure their first season opening victory since 2021, first road win since December 2024 and first win under new head coach John Bonner.
Junior Cristina Jones led the charge, logging her first double-double as a Redhawk, combining for 12 points and 10 rebounds. Jones was a pivotal piece on the defensive end as well, securing two blocks and three steals. Junior Claire Fraser also recorded a double-digit scoring effort in the victory, bagging a team high two triples. Graduate Shelley Duchemin scored 10 off the bench to round out the trio of double-digit scorers.
Seattle U recorded 43 rebounds, including 18 offensive boards, a mark that is second highest in the WCC after game one. Freshman Gabriela Escorial led the team against the Lobos with six offensive rebounds, a mark that ranks first in the WCC. Jones and junior Milana Nenadic sit just behind with four offensive boards, a mark that is tied for third amongst WCC teams.
Both Jones and Escorial recorded two blocks in the victory to lead the team, which puts them tied for fourth in the conference.
Sophomore Alanna Neale led the team shooting 60 percent from the field, connecting for three field goals on five attempts. Neale came up big for the Redhawks down the stretch, securing a clutch block in the waning seconds of the contest. The guard was one of five Redhawks to connect from three point land, shooting 50 percent from behind the arc.
The Redhawks shot 40.3 percent in their debut, combining for 25 makes on 62 attempts including six makes from three. They handed out 15 assists while corralling eight steals and picked up five blocks.
UC Riverside and Seattle U meet for the fifth time in program history dating back to 2010. The Redhawks trail the all-time series 1-4, recording their lone win in Seattle in 2012 behind a 64-42 victory. The pair last met in 2016, with the Highlanders taking the contest in Riverside 58-54.
The Highlanders opened the year with a 83-40 victory over Occidental on Tuesday evening to start the year in the win column. UCR finished seventh in the Big West a season ago behind an 11-21 overall record and an 8-12 record in Big West play. The Highlanders exited the Big West tournament in the second round after falling to three seed UC Davis. UCR was selected to finish seventh in the 2026-27 Big West Preseason poll.
Following Friday’s contest, the Redhawks will travel to Southern California for a pair of games, starting the road trip against future WCC opponent UC Santa Barbara before wrapping the week at Cal Poly. Seattle U returns home to host Pacific Lutheran on November 18.
Donate Today
Fans interested in making a gift to Seattle University Athletics can do so by clicking here. Your gift directly impacts all Redhawk student athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in the community. Thank you for supporting Seattle University Athletics!
Follow Along With the Action
Stay connected with Seattle U women's basketball and get all the latest team updates by downloading the GoSeattleU mobile app available now for free in the App Store or Google Play.