California State University Northridge Athletics announced that the Matadors women’s basketball team will begin their 54th season on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with a home game against the La Sierra Golden Eagles. The game will tip off at 6 p.m. in Northridge, California, and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Head coach Angie Ned enters her third season leading the Matadors after guiding the team to a 10-20 record in 2025-26. That season marked a six-win improvement and the program’s first postseason appearance since 2022-23. The Matadors return six players from last season’s squad and welcome six newcomers, comprising four transfers—Sibelle Zambie from Lehigh, Hodaya Kabada from UNLV, Kira-May Filemu from Hawai’i, and Princess Okafor Nweze from South Alabama—and two freshmen, Sophia Dignadice from Bishop Montgomery High School and Carlotta Cocuzza from Turin, Italy.
Key returning players include junior guard Rita Nazario, who led the team last season with 10.4 points per game and a 35.4 percent three-point shooting percentage, and senior guard Saray White from Sacramento, who earned All-Big West Honorable Mention honors in 2025-26 and averaged 10.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 43 steals, and 28 blocks. The Matadors ranked second in blocked shots, third in steals, and fourth in points allowed in the Big West Conference last season, highlighting their defensive strength.
La Sierra enters the 2026-27 season following a 6-18 overall record and a 3-13 conference record in 2025-26. The Golden Eagles have started this season 2-0 with wins over Stanton University and Bethesda University, including a 91-42 victory. Their leading player early this season is Yasmine Garrett, who is averaging 16.0 points and seven rebounds per game.
CSB Take
The season opener offers California State University Northridge an important chance to build upon last year’s progress under Angie Ned by integrating fresh talent with experienced leaders such as Rita Nazario and Saray White. The Matadors’ defensive prowess might prove decisive against a La Sierra squad that has gained early momentum. This matchup will set the tone as Northridge aims to ascend in the Big West Conference standings.
Source: Original report
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