The University of California, Los Angeles’ (UCLA) Women’s Basketball team had their first win since 1978, for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament on April 5. The team played against South Carolina and won with a score of 79-51. With this win, they made a historical mark under the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW).
Top performer for the Bruins, Lauren Betts, was named the most outstanding player of the final four. UCLA led 36-23 at halftime and continued a dominant performance in the second half to win by 28 points. Gabriela Jaquez led the title game with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
A Big Ten article detailed the records that UCLA’s women’s team broke.
“(They made) Game history, becoming the first team – men’s or women’s – to hold its opponents to under 30.0% shooting overall and under 15.0% from three in a national title game.”
The Bruins’ star seniors scored every point in the NCAA Championship Game, all finishing with nine or more points. Undoubtedly leaving their mark on this program in a way that will outlast any record book.
University of California declares the Bruins finally delivered their breakthrough. Their mindset has helped bring them to this moment.
As the confetti fell and the nets came up, one truth stood out; this was not just about winning, it was the culmination of a dream. A plan and a purpose. The program waited nearly half a century for this moment. They have worked so much, and it shows how much work they put in to earn the win.
Betts was titled as the MVP of the tournament, scoring a total of 14 points. Making 11 rebounds, two blocks, and two assists. Despite spending extended minutes in the first half on the bench with a member of UCLA’s medical staff.
In her 15th season, UCLA’s women’s teams head coach Cori Close secured the program’s first NCAA title, having built the team through high school recruits and the transfer portal.
This article originally appeared in the Early Spring 2026 print edition.
