WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — After opening the 2025–26 season with three straight road contests, the Carolina University Women's Basketball team, led by first-year Head Coach Hannah Latiolais, is set to make its home debut on Tuesday, November 11, hosting Rio Grande (Ohio) for a 5 p.m. tipoff inside Williams Gymnasium.
The Bruins enter the matchup 0–3 overall, looking to capture their first victory of the young season after a competitive 91–88 road loss to Montreat College. Despite the setback, Carolina showcased resilience and offensive improvement, putting together its best scoring performance of the season. Coach Latiolais' squad is determined to build on that momentum as they return home to familiar surroundings for the first time this year.
Through three games, the Bruins are averaging 70.3 points per game, led by standout guard Sy-Marieona Williams, who paces the team with 20.3 points per game while knocking down 10 three-pointers already this season. Forward Dearia Page has been a consistent force on both ends, averaging 15.0 points and 7.7 rebounds, while MeiLani Patterson and Ja'Nisha Caldwell add balance to the offensive attack, contributing 9.5 and 7.7 points per game, respectively.
Carolina will have a tough challenge against a high-powered Rio Grande squad that enters the contest 2–0 and ranks among the most efficient offenses in the NAIA. The RedStorm are averaging 101.5 points per game, shooting an impressive 51.7% from the field and 36.1% from three-point range. Rio Grande also ranks first in assists (28.0 per game) and second in steals (14.5 per game), emphasizing their up-tempo, team-oriented style of play. Leading the country in offensive efficiency (1.106) and posting a +0.335 net efficiency margin, Rio's balanced scoring attack has proven difficult to contain early in the season.
For Coach Latiolais, the focus remains on continued growth and defensive discipline as her team looks to turn the corner:
"We've shown flashes of who we can be," Latiolais said. "Now it's about stringing together full quarters of effort, rebounding as a team, and capitalizing on the opportunities we create."
The Bruins will look to feed off their home crowd energy and use their physicality on the glass — averaging 48.3 rebounds per game — to slow down Rio Grande's fast-paced offense. A win Tuesday would not only mark Carolina's first of the season but also set the tone for a confident stretch ahead.
Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday at Williams Gymnasium, as Carolina University Women's Basketball seeks its first victory of the 2025–26 campaign and a strong start on its home floor.
