UCLA Women's Basketball Team Honored at Dodger Stadium for First NCAA Title Win

The UCLA Bruins finished their season with a 37-1 record. This is their first NCAA championship win in program history, a major step up from previous seasons.
By Newsroom | Sports, Los Angeles |

The UCLA women's basketball team will be recognized by the Los Angeles Dodgers during an upcoming game against the New York Mets. This acknowledgement follows the Bruins' historic NCAA championship win, their first in program history.

The championship was clinched on April 5th in Phoenix, Arizona, with a decisive 79-51 victory over South Carolina. The team concluded their remarkable season with a 37-1 record, a testament to their sustained performance and consistent ranking as the No. 1 team in the nation.

A Title Earned, A Celebration Shared

The Bruins' triumph has been met with widespread celebration. Following their victory, the team engaged with their supporters in a special event at Pauley Pavilion, their home arena. This gathering allowed players and coaches to share the moment with fans, a fitting conclusion after decades of striving for this achievement.

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Dodgers Will Honor UCLA WBB’s NCAA Title During Mets Game - 1

"The UCLA women’s basketball team, after delivering another championship to the city of Los Angeles, are set to be honored by the Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts, himself a UCLA alumnus, extended congratulations to the team on their NCAA title, acknowledging the magnitude of their accomplishment."

The championship run was marked by strong performances, with the team's six seniors contributing all 79 points in the final game. Key players like Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez were instrumental, with Jaquez becoming the first Mexican-American woman to win an NCAA title. Angela Dugalić also made history as the first Serbian-American to achieve this distinction.

The team's diverse backgrounds are highlighted as a unifying factor in their journey. International players, including former teammate Izzy Anstey who returned from Australia for the championship game, contributed to the team's success. The celebration also included a nod to past achievements, with the current title joining that of the AIAW championship team.

The significance of the win extends beyond the court, with its impact resonating through the university and community. Coach Cori Close, recognized as the Big Ten Coach of the Year, emphasized the team's mindset and the culmination of years of effort. The victory marks UCLA's 126th overall NCAA team title, but it is their first in women's basketball in the NCAA era.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the UCLA women's basketball team being honored at Dodger Stadium?
The team is being recognized for winning their first-ever NCAA championship in program history. They achieved this historic title on April 5th with a 79-51 victory over South Carolina.
Q: When did the UCLA women's basketball team win the NCAA championship?
The team clinched their historic title on April 5th in Phoenix, Arizona. They finished the season with an impressive 37-1 record.
Q: Who were the key players in the UCLA women's basketball championship win?
The team's six seniors scored all 79 points in the final game. Notable players included Gabriela Jaquez, who became the first Mexican-American woman to win an NCAA title, and Angela Dugalić, the first Serbian-American to do so.
Q: What does the NCAA championship win mean for UCLA?
This victory is the 126th overall NCAA team title for the university. It is specifically the first NCAA-era championship for the women's basketball program, marking a major milestone for Coach Cori Close and her players.