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GCU women extend winning streak, become second-longest active streak in country
The Lopes have won 17 consecutive games, the second-longest active streak in the country.
PHOENIX — Grand Canyon is in the middle of one of its best women’s basketball seasons in school history.
The Lopes have won a program record-tying 17 straight games, the second-longest active winning streak in all of Division I basketball behind top-ranked UCLA’s 20 consecutive wins. One of the hottest college basketball teams in the country calls Phoenix home but it’s no secret they hoop at GCU.
In Molly Miller’s fifth season as head coach, GCU is in control of the WAC and her team is on a tear that’s on pace to break program records.
“We’ve kind of established our identity as one of the top mid-majors in the country and now we want to sustain that goal,” Miller said. “That takes a lot of hard work, a lot of sacrifice and a lot of effort. I’ve just been really pleased with how this team has embraced that.”
Seniors and transfers make up a majority of GCU’s roster, something Miller says has improved the efficiency of practices. The buy-in from her players has been a key to their impressive 19-2 start and the Lopes made a statement by going 3-0 against in-state schools Arizona State, Arizona and Northern Arizona.
The streaks and records give the Lopes confidence they can achieve their ultimate goal: win the program’s first conference championship and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
“It’s all nice to hear but it kind of goes on the back burner because ultimately we have one goal and that’s to get to the tournament and win the WAC,” forward Laura Erikstrup said. “We’ve been saying all year ‘we belong’ and we truly believe we belong. We’ve gone out there and put a product on the floor that proves that we belong.”
Experienced players like Erikstrup (whose twin sister, Sydney, also plays for GCU) and Alyssa Durazo-Frescas have helped GCU find an edge in the 2024-25 season.
Durazo-Frescas currently leads all DI players in three-pointers made (4.1 pg), proving to be a specialist on GCU’s roster and a major threat on the court. She knew she was a good shooter back in middle school, but she’s been putting in the work to hone her skills.
“Her three-pointers are like layups to me. I think they’re going in no matter what,” Miller said. “I can call her the best three-point shooter in the country with confidence. The fact that she’s on our team is a huge asset for this program.”
Durazo-Frescas, or “ADF” as broadcasters often call her, transferred to Grand Canyon after three seasons at UNLV. Last season she helped the Lady Rebels to a Mountain West Title and NCAA tournament berth.
While the senior is enjoying the success of this season at GCU, she knows the winning streak that matters most is the one the Lopes need to put together in March in order to punch their ticket to the big dance for the first time in team history. With the way her team’s been playing, she’s confident they have what it takes to make it happen.
“Our coaches really believe in us, and we believe in ourselves. Obviously, we haven’t done much yet, we want to hang a banner,” Durazo-Frescas said. “We’re going to win the WAC this year. We’re going to get a ring and cut the nets. It’s a great feeling. I’ve been there before, and I want this team to get there.”
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Grand Canyon University’s women’s basketball team is on fire, extending their winning streak to 12 games and becoming the second-longest active streak in the country. The Lopes have been dominating the competition with their stellar defense and high-powered offense, and their hard work is paying off in a big way.
Led by head coach Molly Miller, the GCU women have been on a mission this season, taking down top-ranked opponents and making a statement in the Western Athletic Conference. With standout performances from players like Katie Scott and Venla Varis, the Lopes are proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as the team continues to rack up wins and build momentum heading into the postseason. With their sights set on a conference championship and beyond, the GCU women are a team to watch as they make a run for the title.
Congratulations to the GCU women’s basketball team on their impressive winning streak, and best of luck as they continue to dominate the court. Go Lopes!
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GCU women’s basketball, winning streak, college basketball, active streak, Grand Canyon University, women’s sports, NCAA basketball, winning team, sports news, women’s athletics.
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