Santa Barbara, Calif. – The UCSB Gauchos women’s basketball squad continued its flawless start to the 2026‑27 season with a commanding 92‑48 victory over the Seattle Redhawks on Friday night. The win lifts the Gauchos to a 3‑0 record and showcases the team’s balanced offensive firepower.
Offensive explosion led by Zoe Borter
Senior guard Zoe Borter delivered a career‑high performance, scoring a game‑high 22 points while shooting a perfect 6‑for‑6 from three‑point range. Her sharpshooting helped UCSB post a 59.3% field‑goal percentage overall, including 12‑of‑26 from beyond the arc (46.2%). Borter’s hot hand set the tone early, and she never looked back.
Supporting cast contributes across the board
Freshman forward Naomy Zonzon‑Huyghe added 16 points, dished out five assists and grabbed four rebounds, demonstrating the depth of the Gaucho roster. Veteran forward Nicole Steiner chipped in 15 points on 7‑of‑10 shooting and collected six rebounds, while point guard Maddie Naro tallied 11 points and a team‑leading six assists.
Dominant start and steady control
The Gauchos surged to a 29‑8 lead after the first quarter and never relinquished momentum. Their defensive pressure forced turnovers and limited Seattle to just 48 points, while UCSB’s efficient ball movement produced five players in double‑figure scoring.
Looking ahead
UCSB will host conference rival Cal on Saturday at noon, offering another opportunity to cement its early‑season dominance in the Big West. Fans can expect the same high‑energy play that has defined the Gauchos’ opening stretch.
Other regional results
In other women’s basketball action, Idaho State fell to Cal Poly 64‑54, with Suni Lee scoring 12 points for the Mustangs. Westmont secured a 71‑67 win over CS Dominguez Hills, thanks to senior Molly Garnand’s 15 points. On the men’s side, Westmont edged CS Dominguez Hills 102‑90 in overtime after senior Braedon Bigott hit a clutch three‑pointer with 32 seconds left to force the extra period.
The Gauchos’ impressive performance underscores the strength of Santa Barbara’s collegiate athletics program and provides a bright outlook for the remainder of the season.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
