WCC schedule set for Gonzaga women’s basketball

For the second straight season, the Gonzaga women’s basketball team will open the West Coast Conference season on the beaches of Malibu, California.

According to the WCC schedule announced Wednesday, the Bulldogs open the new year with back-to-back home games against San Francisco (Jan. 5) and Portland (Jan. 7).

The biggest change is the nine-week conference schedule - a week shorter than last season. That means no travel partners and no bye dates once the WCC season begins.

On Jan. 19, GU welcomes Santa Clara, before heading to Portland (Jan. 21) and San Diego (Jan. 26). The Zags open the second half of conference play in Spokane against Pepperdine on Jan. 28. Gonzaga then hosts BYU on Feb. 2, and travels to Santa Clara on Feb. 4.

The Bulldogs play Loyola Marymount and Saint Mary’s at home on Feb. 9 and 11. Three of GU’s final four games are on the road, beginning with San Francisco on Feb. 16, and Pacific on Feb. 18.

The Zags’ final home game of the regular season is against San Diego on Feb. 23. Gonzaga closes the regular season at BYU on Feb. 25.

The West Coast Conference Championships will follow on March 2-7 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

Gonzaga hasn’t unveiled its nonconference schedule; however the school announced earlier this summer that the women will play in the Paradise Jam in in the U.S. Virgin Islands on Nov. 24-26.

The tournament field includes eight teams separated into two divisions. The Zags open the tournament against WNIT semifinalist, Michigan, before facing Florida State, which advanced to the Sweet 16 last season. Gonzaga closes the event versus Winthrop from the Big South Conference.