Stanford University women’s basketball will open its 2026-27 home season hosting Saint Mary’s Gaels on Wednesday, November 4, at 7 p.m. at Maples Pavilion. The Cardinal aim to continue their streak of 27 consecutive home opener wins and maintain their undefeated record in season openers at Maples Pavilion since 1998.
The current roster features 12 players evenly split among freshmen, sophomores and juniors, notably without any seniors or fifth-year players. Seven newcomers, including transfers Ilse de Vries from the Netherlands and Ins Sotelo Mguez from Spain, join the squad; they are the first Dutch and Spanish players in program history.
Stanford faces a tough nonconference schedule with five Power 4 opponents and five true road games, the only Power 4 school to meet both marks. This challenges the young Cardinal early and distinguishes their schedule among Power 4 programs.
Stanford holds a 5-1 all-time record against Saint Mary’s but they have not met since 2000. The upcoming game marks Saint Mary’s first visit to Maples Pavilion since 1999.
In the recent season opener on November 2 against Arizona, Stanford lost 84-69. Guard Hailee Swain led with a career-high 21 points, including six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Ins Sotelo Mguez scored nine points with six rebounds in her first start while sophomore Shay Ijiwoye added 14 points.
The program also celebrated Ashten Prechtel, a 2023 graduate who became Stanford’s eighth WNBA champion by winning with the Golden State Valkyries in 2026. Stanford continues to boast a strong WNBA alumnae presence, with nine players active in the league this season, reinforcing the program’s notable professional legacy.
CSB Take
Stanford Cardinal women’s basketball begins the 2026-27 season with a youthful and inexperienced roster, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Their rigorous nonconference schedule and enduring home opener streak provide motivation and early tests for development. Coupling the team’s WNBA pedigree with promising individual performances, Stanford aims to build momentum and sustain its tradition of excellence during this pivotal season.
Source: Original report
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