After coming into the season unranked for the first time in 25 years, Stanford women’s basketball (3-0, 0-0 ACC) has remained undefeated on Tara VanDerveer Court. Riding the emotions of a pregame ceremony that celebrated the court’s new name in honor of the retired coach, the Cardinal used a 26-4 opening quarter to propel them to an 89-58 blowout win against Gonzaga Sunday.

“This was a really special day, obviously, with the court naming ceremony,” said head coach Kate Paye. “And I think our team, our staff, knew that the best way we could honor Tara on a day like today was to play really well.”

Coming into the game, the Cardinal’s 16 three-pointers per game ranked second nationally, behind only Stephen F. Austin State University’s 18 per game. Stanford, however, leads the nation in three-point shooting accuracy, hitting an impressive 59% of their attempts. In Sunday’s contest, the Cardinal offense added another 13 three-pointers, with redshirt junior guard Jzaniya Harriel leading the way with four made attempts.

The offense was more than just a three-point showcase. Sophomore forward Nunu Agara helmed the attack in the paint with 16 points. Stanford also drew frequent fouls, earning 16 points from the free-throw line. Sophomore guard Chloe Clardy commended the team’s balanced approach on both sides of the court.

“We put in work to our shot. Not every game it’s going to fall, but we still have other things that we hang our hat on,” Clardy said. “We are going to play hard defense every game. We are going to play hard for each other.”

The Stanford defense showed up in a big way, recording five blocks and 10 steals, which led to 16 points off turnovers. The defense was particularly effective in the first and third quarters, where Gonzaga managed just 13 points combined.

Sunday’s win was especially satisfying for the Stanford squad after last season’s clash with Gonzaga, when the Bulldogs snapped the Cardinal’s nine-game winning streak with a 96-78 upset — Stanford’s worst defeat in nearly four years.

“Obviously, we didn’t like what happened last year. We had a bad taste in our mouth and wanted to get our getback,” Clardy said. “It wasn’t an easy game, but we went out there, and we played hard for each other.”

Stanford’s bench unit was crucial in the quest for revenge, contributing 41 points compared to Gonzaga’s 28 points. Sophomore forward Mary Ashley Stevenson, a transfer from Purdue, came off the bench to add nine points as she is quickly settling into her role at the Farm. 

“I absolutely love it. You know, it’s a scary thing getting in the transfer portal because you just kind of go, and you don’t know what’s going to happen,” Stevenson said. “But I could not be happier. I mean, between this coaching staff and the girls on this team, I feel right at home.”

Stanford basketball’s home, now officially Tara VanDerveer Court at Maples Pavilion, is a source of pride for the team. Paye shared her excitement about the newly named court.

“It was really cool right before the game started to hear the announcer saying, ‘For the first time ever, welcome to Tara VanDerveer Court at Maples Pavilion,’” Paye said. “It definitely gave me chills.”

Coming up, the Cardinal will be back in action at the Tara VanDerveer Court on Wednesday when UC Davis comes into town. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT.