CSUN Launches 53rd Women’s Basketball Season Tuesday

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) officially launches its 53rd Women’s Basketball season on Tuesday. The Matadors will host Bethesda University at Premier America Credit Union Arena. The game starts at 6 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN+. This matchup marks the beginning of a series of games, as CSUN will face San Diego on Saturday with a scheduled tip-off at 2 p.m.

Coaching Update

Head coach Angie Ned enters her second season with the Matadors. Last year, CSUN struggled with a record of 4-25, finishing 2-18 in Big West play. Despite losing nine letterwinners, the team welcomes back key players, including three starters: Erika Aspajo, Morgan Edwards, and Kelly Tumlin.

Team Composition

This season’s lineup includes ten newcomers, comprising 67% of the team. Among them, six are transfers, reflecting a strategic use of the transfer portal aimed at building a competitive roster. Coach Ned highlighted this approach during the Big West preview on October 17.

• Transfer Players:
  • Jite Gbemuotor (Ole Miss)
  • Maya Contreras (New Mexico Junior College)
  • Mariona Cos-Morales (Rider University)
  • Rita Nazario (Saint Louis)
  • Nadia Bernard (Saint Mary’s)
  • Saray White (Cosumnes River College)
• Freshmen:
  • Amya Moody
  • Norret Lewis
  • Heather Stedman
  • Jana Canadell

International Players

This year’s team boasts an international flavor with players like Jite Gbemuotor from Nigeria and Mariona Cos-Morales from Spain. Rita Nazário, also from Portugal, is actively competing internationally and was part of the Portuguese Basketball Federation Supercup championship team.

Returning Leaders

Morgan Edwards, a junior guard, made a significant impact last season. She led the Matadors in field goals made and scored in double figures in 15 games. She averaged 8.8 points per game and was pivotal in 30.3 minutes of playing time.

Erika Aspajo also returns as a crucial player, leading the team with an average of 9.2 points per game. She excelled in assists, contributing significantly to CSUN’s gameplay.

Kelly Tumlin, a senior guard, aims to build on her strong performance from last season, where she averaged 8.1 points per game and led the team in minutes played.

Upcoming Opponents

Scouting Bethesda University

The Bethesda Lion Angels concluded last season with a 7-20 record. This year, they are led by seniors Serina Quezada and Jacqueline Aguilar. Bethesda averaged 52.3 points per game last season and won seven of their last eight games.

Scouting San Diego

San Diego finished last season with a record of 7-24 and underwent a coaching change, welcoming Blanche Alverson as their new head coach. With seven new faces, the team aims to improve on last season’s performance.

In their previous encounter, USD defeated CSUN 74-52 in San Diego on December 14, 2024. Historically, CSUN has faced challenges against the Toreros, holding a 4-21 record in past meetings.

Broadcast Information

The opening games will feature commentary from Jill Painter-Lopez, who has been the lead play-by-play announcer since the 2021-22 season. She is joined by Graham Metzker, providing color commentary throughout the matches.

With a blend of returning talent and new recruits, CSUN Women’s Basketball is set to embark on an exciting new season.