Not only was the force down low for the Zags named the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Week for the fourth time this season, but the Player of the Week for the first time in her young career as well.
Redshirt freshman forward Lauren Whittaker from Canterbury, New Zealand, averaged 19.7 points and 12.7 rebounds per game to go along with five steals and three blocks in Gonzaga’s three opportunities last week. She has five double-doubles and has scored 20+ points five times in 2025-26.
The only other Player of the Week award won by a member of the Gonzaga roster was sharp-shooting sophomore guard Allie Turner after the first week of the season.
The Zags (8-5) now prepare for their start of conference play in Spokane, Washington, versus Loyola Marymount (6-5) on Sunday, Dec. 28, at 2:00 p.m. PT on ESPN+. Gonzaga has won five of their last six outings.
Alongside the leadership of senior guard Ines Bettencourt in the backcourt, the Zags are looking to be invited to their 16th NCAA Tournament since 2007. This group needs to find a way to eliminate the turnovers, averaging 18.9 per game, which ranks as the No. 283 most in the NCAA.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
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