NCAAW: Van Lith, Prince have TCU looking like a Big 12 contender

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As the college basketball season progresses, teams are starting to define themselves, some in familiar ways and others in new and exciting ways. While traditional powerhouses in the Big 12 are performing well, there are some standout players and programs making a mark early on:

Winners

HVL at TCU

Houston Christian v TCU — Hailey Van Lith has been a seamless fit at TCU.

Hailey Van Lith transferred to TCU from Louisville with high expectations, and so far, she’s exceeding them. With an increase in scoring and assists, Van Lith is making a significant impact on the team early in the season.

Teaming up with graduate center Sedona Prince, Van Lith has been a dominant force on the court. They have had notable performances, including a double-double against a ranked opponent. This season looks promising for both players as they aim for a memorable finale.

UCF and freshman Emely Rodriguez

UCF v Kansas State — Kaitlin Peterson and UCF have exceeded early expectations in non-conference play.

UCF has surprised many with their strong start in non-conference play, showing potential to compete in the Big 12. Freshman Emely Rodriguez, a standout player from the Dominican Republic, has been a game-changer for the Knights with her impressive stats early in the season.

Rodriguez’s success has earned her a spot in the starting lineup, and if she continues to perform well, she may earn accolades at the end of the season. UCF’s unexpected success in the early games is setting them up for a competitive season ahead.

Losers

Utah’s early-season adversity

Utah v Northwestern — Caileigh Walsh of Northwestern downed Utah, hitting a game-winner with three seconds left.

Utah had a tough loss to Northwestern despite a strong start to the game. A late surge by Northwestern and a game-winning shot sealed the victory for the Wildcats, leaving Utah with a bitter defeat.

While the loss was disappointing, Utah bounced back in their next game with a dominant win. The team has the potential to be a top contender in the Big 12, but they will need to overcome the recent setback and adjust to coaching changes.

One challenge for Utah is the departure of their head coach to the Los Angeles Sparks, creating uncertainty for the team moving forward. It will be interesting to see how they respond to this adversity in the coming games.

Fans of competitive basketball