Oct. 10—Most Fan Fest's are a happy-go-lucky time, nothing more than an opportunity to put the jersey on for the first time and take to the court under the lights.
For the Gonzaga women's basketball team, Saturday was different. The Zags didn't just want to go through the motions. Ten of them played in the Fan Fest a year ago and they weren't happy with the product they put on display.
Yes, the Zags were squaring off against their teammates, their friends. But judging by the competitiveness, it meant something to them.
Few will remember the score or which color prevailed come March. But for the record, Blue, led by Lauren Whittaker, Ines Bettencourt and Teryn Gardner, topped White 42-30 in the 20-minute scrimmage at McCarthey Athletic Center.
Equivalent to half a game, Whittaker, the West Coast Conference Player and Freshman of the Year last season had 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bettencourt, who is seeking a fifth year of eligibility and is presently eligible, had 10 points and Gardner, who is vying for a starting position and more playing time this season, had nine points on 3-of-6 shooting from 3-point range.
Gonzaga was the top 3-point shooting team in the nation, and the Zags will likely be among the leaders again this season. Blue and White combined to make 9 of 18 from distance.
But as the scrimmage showed, the Zags can do a number of things. And there's much room for improvement. Coach Lisa Fortier, who along with dedicated assistants Stacy Clinesmith, Jordan Green and husband, Craig Fortier, begin their 13th season, will watch the Fan Fest video.
"We'll go back and see all the problem areas," Fortier said. "Half the time I was talking to my friends (during the scrimmage). So we'll definitely go back and watch (the video)."
As she always does at Fan Fest, Fortier left the in-game coaching to her assistants.
"I liked how we were trying to push the ball (in transition), get the ball outletted faster, run the floor harder," Fortier said. "We've done it in a little bit different way in the past where we've had the point guard really pass it full court. So last year we got bogged down a little bit with too many dribbles in transition. So I thought our team ran hard and looked to (pass) the ball to people. We didn't always score in transition, but we're getting those opportunities."
Sophomore forward Jaiden Haile sat out, her left foot still in a boot recovering from what she called an overuse injury. She said she expects to be back in two to three weeks.
Eleven of 12 Zags scored. Interestingly, the one who didn't, junior guard Allie Turner, won the 3-point shooting contest. She edged Gardner. Turner and Gardner led the Zags in 3-point shooting last year.
All three new Zags — freshman Abby Lusk and transfers Emmy Roach and Jocelyn Medina — scored. Roach led with six points.
Bettencourt had an interesting passing partner during the 3-point shooting contest — former UConn teammate Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 draft pick by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA draft.
All five returning starters made cases for securing their starting job. And Gardner is certainly making a case to be a starter.
"There are people who are more likely (to start) based on their tenure here," Fortier said. "Last year we ended up starting the same lineup (every game). That's kind of been our style, but we're always trying to not have that be a thing. You have to earn it every day in practice and even after you've gotten it that doesn't mean you get it forever."
Bettencourt thought the Zags did a number of things well Saturday.
"I mean, what is there not to like," Bettencourt said. "We started off strong with our (drill) competitions — what we can do individually and then in the scrimmage. We were just having fun. It's always better to be playing in front of a crowd instead of a silent gym and the coaches yelling at us constantly. It was just good to be back in front of the fans."
That's why they call it Fan Fest.
