WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — As the young 2025–26 season gets underway, the Carolina University Women's Basketball program continues to show fight and resilience under first-year Head Coach Hannah Latialois. Despite an 0–4 start, the Bruins have demonstrated steady improvement and competitive stretches that give the coaching staff confidence heading into their next challenge.
Carolina University now turns its focus to the Shawnee State Classic, where they open play on Friday, November 14, against West Virginia Tech at 6:00 PM in Portsmouth, Ohio.
This will be the second meeting between the two programs in less than two weeks. The Bruins traveled to West Virginia Tech on November 4, a matchup that resulted in an 80–63 victory for the Golden Bears. Coach Latialois noted that the experience of seeing WVU Tech early provides valuable preparation.
"We've taken some tough lessons in these first four games, but the growth is real," said Latialois. "We've made adjustments, and our group is learning how to compete at a high level for 40 minutes. Facing West Virginia Tech again gives us a clear benchmark of our progress. Our focus is on execution, defending with pride, and bringing energy from the jump."
West Virginia Tech enters Friday's matchup with a 2–1 record. After back-to-back strong performances to open the season, the Golden Bears are coming off an 84–61 loss to Mount Vernon Nazarene, a result that adds an element of urgency to their return to action.
For Carolina, the Shawnee State Classic presents an opportunity to continue building identity, chemistry, and consistency. With a roster featuring four returners and a large incoming class, Latialois emphasizes patience and foundation-building as her team develops through early-season competition.
"We're learning every day, and these games are valuable experiences for such a new group," Latialois added. "The commitment, attitude, and willingness to fight are there. Now it's about putting the pieces together."
The Bruins will look to translate their growth into positive results as they take the floor in their first of two games at the Shawnee State Classic.
