Northwest Notes: Dec. 30, 2025

Whittaker earns fifth

WCC Freshman of the Week award

SAN BRUNO, Calif. — Gonzaga’s Lauren Whittaker was named the West Coast Conference women's basketball Freshman of the Week for the fifth time this season after helping the Zags garner a thrilling double-overtime victory over LMU. It is her sixth overall conference weekly recognition, as she was also named the player of the week last week. 

A week after being named the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Tamika Catchings National Freshman of the Week, Lauren Whittaker (Canterbury, New Zealand) was a key contributor in Gonzaga emerging victorious in an 87-80 double overtime victory over LMU on Sunday. Whittaker helped key the win for the Zags, connecting on several shots late in regulation and the overtime periods. The forward continues to add to her Gonzaga freshman record of double-doubles, earning her sixth of the season with 18 points on 8-for-18 shooting (.444) and tied her career high with 16 rebounds. She also added two pivotal steals. 

 Among freshmen in the national rankings, Whittaker is second in points per game (19.4), sixth in rebounds per game (9.8) and second in defensive rebounds per game (7.9). Her six double-doubles leads the nation among freshmen. This is her second straight conference freshman weekly honor and her sixth total conference recognition this season after winning both West Coast Conference Freshman and Player of the Week last week. Gonzaga has collected seven conference honors this season.