The Fresno State women’s basketball team will launch its inaugural Pac-12 Conference season with an exhibition game against Stanislaus State on October 30, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. PT at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. This game provides the first official look at the Bulldogs under second-year head coach Ryan McCarthy.
McCarthy returns with four players from last season’s roster, including guard Ava Marr and forward/center Ashlyn Rean, alongside 11 newcomers featuring seven transfers such as Rubi Gray and Lola Donez. The Bulldogs were predicted to finish seventh in the Pac-12 preseason poll, with Donez and Rean earning spots on the Pac-12 Impact List.
Fresno State’s regular season opens November 4, 2026, against UC Merced at home. The Bulldogs also have a nationally televised game scheduled against Oregon State on January 23, 2027, airing on The CW. With a mix of returning talent and significant new additions, Fresno State aims to build on its previous 15-win campaign and establish itself in the competitive Pac-12 conference.
CSB Take
This exhibition game marks a significant moment for Fresno State women’s basketball as it adjusts to the elevated competition of the Pac-12 under coach Ryan McCarthy’s guidance. Retaining key players like Marr and Rean, complemented by impactful transfers, provides a solid base to surpass expectations. This season is crucial for defining the program’s identity in the new conference and laying the groundwork for sustained success.
Source: Original report
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