The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) clinched their first National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women’s basketball championship with a dominant 79-51 win over South Carolina in Phoenix on April 5, capping off a remarkable redemption story.
For UCLA’s senior core, this was a moment years in the making. After suffering a heavy defeat in the 2025 Final Four, Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, Charlisse Leger-Walker, and Angela Dugalic returned for one final push. This time, they did not let the opportunity slip.
“Today was just a fantastic display of our resilience and intensity,” said Kiki Rice, who scored 10 points. “We had a feeling this was our time. There’s no better way we could have ended our career.”
A Final Worth the Wait
UCLA’s journey to the title was far from straightforward. They had to grind through tough matchups, including a comeback win over Duke in the Elite Eight and a low-scoring battle against Texas.
But in the final, they produced their most complete performance of the season.
The Bruins came out aggressive, outscoring South Carolina 21-10 in the first quarter and building a 15-point lead by halftime. The gap only widened after the break, stretching to as much as 35 points as UCLA took full control.
“As soon as we came out, everyone was locked in,” Betts said. “When we play together like that, no one can stop us.”
Team Effort Defines UCLA’s Dominance
What stood out most was UCLA’s balance. All five starters scored in double figures, underlining the depth that made them so difficult to stop.
Gabriela Jaquez led with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Lauren Betts added a double-double of her own with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Gianna Kneepkens contributed 15, while Rice and Leger-Walker chipped in with 10 points each. Dugalic added nine points off the bench.
“The joy and love we have for each other has driven us all season,” Jaquez said. “We always believed we had the tools. It was about staying focused and taking it one game at a time.”
In an era where player movement is common, UCLA’s core stood out for their continuity. Rice and Jaquez spent all four years with the program, choosing to stay and build something together.
“Coming in as freshmen, we talked about winning championships,” Rice said. “To actually do it now means everything.”
Head coach Cori Close highlighted that commitment. “It’s rare to start a journey together and see it through like this,” she said. “They earned every bit of it.”
Betts Leads the Emotional Turnaround
Lauren Betts’ journey reflected UCLA’s transformation. After transferring from Stanford in 2023, she admitted she arrived low on confidence and unsure about her future in basketball.
“I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep playing,” Betts said. “But the coaching staff believed in me and helped me see myself differently.”
That belief translated into performance. Betts played a key role throughout the tournament and anchored the team in the final.
She also revealed the confidence within the squad before the game. “We knew we were ready. You could feel it in practice,” she said.
Last year’s Final Four loss had stayed with the group. This time, they made sure the ending was different.
“Everyone understood the moment,” Betts added. “When duty called, everyone answered.”
For UCLA, this victory was not just about winning a title. It was about completing a journey defined by setbacks, belief, and resilience, and turning heartbreak into history.