The 2026-27 woman’s basketball season begins November 2nd, Monday morning at 11 a.m. on Montlake, as the Washington Huskies are home against Big West favorite UC San Diego at Alaska Airlines Arena. Tipoff marks the start of Tina Langley’s sixth season at Washington and provides the first opportunity to see a veteran Husky roster that enters the year with NCAA Tournament expectations.
Washington returns the nucleus of a team that finished 22-11 overall and 10-8 in its first Big Ten season before advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Huskies will look to build on back-to-back NCAA appearances and take another step toward reaching the program’s first Sweet 16 since 2017.
Washington Huskies Overview
Few teams in the Big Ten return as much proven production as Washington.
First-Team All-Big Ten guard Sayvia Sellers is back after averaging 18.0 points and 3.9 assists per game, while veteran forward Avery Howell returns after posting 14.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest. Sophomore Brynn McGaughy, who earned Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors last season, gives Washington another versatile scoring option after averaging 9.3 points as a freshman.
The Huskies also addressed key offseason needs through the transfer portal.
Former NC State forward Tilda Trygger arrives after averaging 10.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, providing Washington with additional size and rim protection. Brooke Carlson joins from Colorado State after averaging 11.7 points per game, while former five-star recruit Kaelyn Carroll arrives from Kentucky looking for an expanded role.
Washington must replace the leadership and production of longtime contributors Elle Ladine and Hannah Stines, but the overall talent level remains one of the strongest of Tina Langley’s tenure.
Defense remains the Huskies’ calling card. Washington allowed just 62 points per game last season and consistently frustrated opponents with its half-court defense, rebounding, and physicality. If the newcomers can quickly integrate into Langley’s system, Washington should again be among the tougher defensive teams in the conference.
Scouting UC San Diego Tritons
UC San Diego enters the season as one of the favorites in the Big West after winning the league tournament and earning its second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance last season. The Tritons were selected as the preseason favorite in the Big West Coaches’ Poll after receiving 10 of 12 first-place votes.
Head coach Heidi VanDerveer returns a veteran group from a team that finished 24-9 overall and shared the Big West regular-season championship before capturing the conference tournament title.
The Tritons are led by senior forward Erin Condron, who averaged 15.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while earning First Team All-Big West honors. Guards Rosa Smith and Lev Feiman also return after earning preseason all-conference recognition.
UC San Diego has established itself as one of the nation’s most successful recent Division I transition stories and enters the year with expectations of competing for another conference championship and NCAA Tournament berth. The Tritons were also picked first in an independent Big West preseason media poll conducted by The UCSD Guardian.
Key Matchup
Washington’s Size vs. UC San Diego’s Experience
The Huskies appear to hold advantages in length, athleticism, and overall roster depth, particularly with the additions of Tilda Trygger, KK Carroll and Brooke Carlson.
However, UC San Diego enters the season with significant continuity and confidence after a championship campaign. The Tritons return multiple key contributors and have an established identity on both ends of the floor. Washington’s challenge will be preventing UCSD’s veteran guards from controlling tempo while establishing its own interior presence.
If Trygger, Howell, and McGaughy can consistently win the battle inside, Washington should be able to create second-chance opportunities and limit UC San Diego’s offensive rhythm.
Players to Watch
Washington
Sayvia Sellers – First-Team All-Big Ten guard and the Huskies’ primary offensive catalyst.
Avery Howell – Veteran wing/guard who impacts the game as both a scorer and rebounder.
Tilda Trygger – Highly anticipated transfer whose 6’6″ size and versatility should immediately elevate Washington’s frontcourt.
UC San Diego
Erin Condron – All-Big West forward and one of the conference’s most productive post players.
Rosa Smith – Experienced guard who averaged 10.9 points per game last season.
Lev Feiman – Emerging sophomore guard coming off a Big West All-Freshman campaign.
