📍 ICCU Arena (Moscow, Idaho)

🗓 Monday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m.

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MOSCOW, Idaho –

The Idaho Vandals Women's Basketball team begins a highly anticipated 2026–27 season on Monday, Nov. 2, at 11 a.m., hosting Saint Martin's at ICCU Arena for the program's annual Education Game.

The tip-off marks the start of a fresh campaign following last year's historic, championship-winning season. Idaho returns to the court as defending regular-season and Big Sky Conference Tournament Champions, coming off the most winningest season in program history that culminated in an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Looking ahead to the new year, the Vandals were voted second in both the Big Sky Preseason Coaches and Media Polls. The Black and Gold earned two first-place votes in the coaches poll and three in the media poll.

Monday marks only the third all-time meeting between Idaho and Saint Martin's, with the series currently tied at 1-1. The two programs first played against each other on Dec. 28, 2002, when the Saints earned a 74-67 win in Moscow. The Vandals leveled the series in their most recent matchup on Dec. 19, 2023, cruising to a 63-44 victory inside ICCU Arena.

Idaho enters the season looking to build upon its historic championship campaign under third-year Head Coach Arthur Moreira. Moreira returns six key players—led by returning starters Hope Hassmann, last year's First Team All-Conference selection and Big Sky Tournament MVP, last year's All-Defensive Team honoree Ana Pinheiro, and key starter Ella Uriarte—while welcoming eight talented newcomers into the mix. Key transfers bolster the roster, headlined by 6-foot-2 senior Keanna Salave'a from Sacramento State and sophomore guard Brynna Pukis from Long Beach State. Additional international impact talent joins the squad, featuring Brazil native Alexia Dagba arriving from Georgetown and Portugal native Fatumata Djalo joining the team via Monmouth.

Saint Martin's arrives in Moscow after kicking off its preseason action earlier this week, hosting Olympic College on Friday evening in Lacey, Washington. The NCAA Division II Saints, out of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, feature a balanced squad led by returning senior guard Jlynn Rios and graduate forward Avery Oaster as they prepare for their regular season opener next week.

IDAHO NOTES

• Defending Champions: Idaho returns to the floor following a historic 2025–26 season that saw the program capture both the Big Sky Regular Season title and Conference Tournament championship.

• Championship Core Returns: The Vandals return six key letterwinners from last year's championship squad, featuring returning starters Hope Hassmann, Ella Uriarte, and Ana Pinheiro, along with efficient junior guard Ana Beatriz Passos.

• Hassmann Earns Preseason Honors: Guard Hope Hassmann was selected to the 2026–27 Preseason All-Big Sky Conference Team. The star guard returns to lead the Vandals after a standout 2025–26 campaign where she averaged 14.2 points and 4.1 assists per game while capturing Big Sky Tournament MVP honors during Idaho's title run.

• Preseason Recognition: The Vandals earned five total first-place votes across the Big Sky Preseason Media and Coaches polls, slotted at No. 2 overall behind Montana State.

• Roster Blend: Head Coach Arthur Moreira brings back six returning players, including three core starters from last year's title squad, alongside an eight-player newcomer class boasting deep NCAA Division I transfer experience.

UP NEXT: Vandal Women's Basketball heads up to Spokane on Friday, Nov. 6 to face the Gonzaga Bulldogs for a 6 p.m. tip-off.

TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased here or by calling the Vandal ticket office at (208) 885-6466.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Stay up to date with everything happening with the Vandals by following them on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.