The anticipation in the Pilot House was palpable during the NCAA selection show on Sunday, March 17. As the name of each team was called, the University of Portland’s women’s basketball team’s excitement grew.
After defeating Gonzaga University in the 2024 West Coast Conference championship game, the Pilots secured their bid to the NCAA tournament. It wasn’t until today that their fate was decided on what team they would play against first.
Surrounded by fans, friends and family, the women’s basketball team was awarded the 13th seed in the NCAA March Madness tournament. The Pilots will be facing off against the fourth-seeded Kansas State. The game is set to take place in Manhattan, Kansas, with the date and time yet to be determined.
This is the second consecutive year that the women’s basketball team is headed to the NCAA tournament.
With last year’s experience under their belts and their next opponent on the horizon, the Pilots are ready for what’s next.
“I don’t think there’s any question that these last four games were the best this team has played together this season,” said head coach Michael Meek. “We’ve been to a tournament once — now, the goal is to try and win some games over there.”
The players are just as excited as Meek about continuing their successful season.
“It’s so exciting,” captain Emme Shearer said. “The trajectory of UP women’s basketball over the last couple of years, we just keep getting better and better.”
Continue following along with the women’s basketball postseason run at the Portland Pilots webpage.
Emma Swett is a sports reporter for The Beacon and can be reached at swett25@up.edu.
Ethan Sanders contributed to this article. He can be reached at sanders25@up.edu.
