Northern Arizona University (NAU) is entering the new year on a high note as its athletics programs continue to perform well, backed by the success of the women’s basketball team and newly announced tennis schedules. After taking a break for the holidays, the Lumberjacks’ women's basketball team is set to resume competition this week, facing the Grand Canyon University (GCU) Lopes on Sunday, December 29 at the Global Credit Union Arena. The game is expected to generate excitement as the Lumberjacks, with a season record of 9-3, aim to solidify their place in the Big Sky Conference.
The Lumberjacks are returning to the court against GCU, who currently boasts an impressive record of 11-2 and is unbeaten at home (9-0). This matchup marks the final non-conference game for NAU, as the team tries to build momentum before entering conference play. According to reports, this meeting will see the two teams compete for the first time since the 2021-22 season, where NAU emerged victorious at home.
Historically, the Lumberjacks lead the series against GCU, having won 6 of their 10 encounters. Despite this favorable statistic, the Lopes are on quite the streak, having won nine consecutive games leading up to their faceoff with NAU, including impressive wins over notable teams like Arizona.
The Lopes, under the guidance of star player Alyssa Durazo-Frescas, rank high nationally, with Durazo-Frescas second across the nation for three-pointers made. The Lopes are averaging 76.8 points per game and showcasing strong defensive skills, allowing only 58.2 points per game. This matchup promises to be thrilling as both teams bring their A-game to the court.
The Lumberjacks are riding high on recent performances including their last game against Fresno State, where they showed impressive defensive prowess, even though they fell short with a 66-55 loss. NAU's standout player, Sophie Glancey, continues to shine, having recorded eight double-doubles so far this season and leading the Big Sky with 18.0 points per game. With contributions from talented players like Taylor Feldman and Nyah Moran, the team's synergy is increasingly promising.
Shifting gears, the NAU tennis teams have also announced their spring schedules, which look equally exciting. The women's tennis team will host 10 matches at home and play seven away. They are set to kick off their season with back-to-back matches against the Cal Poly Mustangs and the Arizona Wildcats, taking place on January 19 and January 20, 2025, respectively. This marks the commencement of their spring competition and the anticipation is building within the Lumberjack community.
The upcoming tennis season will be pivotal for the Lumberjacks, giving fans reason to rally behind them as they seek to establish dominance both at home and on the road. The head coach expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming matches, stating, "The Lumberjacks serve up the start of the season," showcasing the commitment and eagerness to engage fans and supporters alike.
With the basketball team ready to shine against GCU and the tennis team's schedule on the horizon, NAU athletics continues to reflect its dedication to growing competitive standards across all sports. The upcoming games will offer fans plenty of action and give the teams opportunities to build on their successes from the previous years. Fans can tune in to watch the women's basketball matchup, broadcast on ESPN+, and support the tennis team as they strive for victory starting next month.
Northern Arizona University is excited to kick off this new chapter of sports, where triumphs from winter sports seamlessly merge with strong expectations for tennis. The season holds much promise and opportunity as the teams look to capture the hearts of fans and establish their sports legacy.
