It’s time to celebrate, Carolina fans! The Tar Heels are back in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, hosting games for the first time since 2015. Earning a No. 3 seed in the Birmingham 2 Region is a huge achievement, reflecting their strong season with 25 wins and a top-20 NET ranking. Plus, the benefit of playing at home means they can stay in the Eastern or Central time zones throughout the tournament.
Let’s take a closer look at the teams Carolina will face starting with their first opponent: the Oregon State Beavers.
### (14) Oregon State Beavers
Oregon State has had an eventful season. They stand at 19-15, with notable wins in the West Coast Conference (WCC) where they won the title game against Portland. This year has been a significant shift for the Beavers, who are adjusting after the Pac-12’s dissolution and are now playing in a newly challenging WCC.
Despite four key starters opting to leave via the transfer portal, Oregon State’s Head Coach Scott Rueck remains at the helm. He led the Beavers to the Final Four in 2016 and is known for his remarkable coaching skills. The team started slow this season, but they gained momentum, particularly with a stunning upset over Gonzaga.
Oregon State’s game is built on strong rebounding features, which puts them in the top 35 nationally. Look out for their two returning stars: AJ Marotte and Kelsey Rees, who earned All-WCC First Team honors.
### (6) West Virginia Mountaineers
The Mountaineers come in with a 24-7 record. They recently lost to TCU in the Big XII Semifinals but remain strong contenders. Historically, Carolina and West Virginia have crossed paths only once in women’s basketball, back in 1979. The familiarity grows here, however, as they’ve recently faced each other in different sports.
West Virginia’s Ja’Niya “JJ” Quinerly is a standout player, averaging 20.6 points per game, making her one of the top scorers in the Big 12. The team also has strong defensive players like Kyah Watson, who leads the conference in steals. Their home record is excellent, and they’ll be looking to translate that success on the road.
### (11) Columbia Lions
Columbia returns to the NCAA Tournament after a strong season, finishing 23-6. Despite losing a key player to the WNBA, they’ve found success with guard Kitty Henderson and her impressive stats this season. Coach Megan Griffith, a former assistant to Carolina’s Coach Courtney Banghart, has created a solid program, emphasizing rebounding and ball sharing.
The Lions are no slouch, recently beating several mid-major teams and hoping to make a mark in the tournament.
### (11) Washington Huskies
The Huskies have been making waves in their first season in the Big Ten with a record of 19-13. Under Head Coach Tina Langley, Washington is back in the NCAA after a six-year absence. Elle Ladine, their top scorer, shines with her 39% three-point shooting.
Their efficient offense and deadly perimeter shooting make them a dangerous opponent.
### The Bigger Picture
As the tournament heats up, the stakes are high. Recent surveys show that March Madness captures the attention of millions, with fans eager to see upsets and high-stakes matchups each year. For the Tar Heels, these early rounds will be crucial in setting the tone for a deep run in the tournament.
With the games set to be broadcasted widely, fans can rally around their teams, sharing excitement and updates on social media. It’s a fantastic time for college basketball.
Go Heels!
Check out this related article: Exciting Day One Highlights: Troy University Women’s Golf Shines at Spring Break Shootout!
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