New College of Florida women's basketball opens its fourth season Friday and Saturday at the Warner WBB Sunny Southern Classic, hosted by Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida.
The Mighty Banyans face Andrew College (0-2, 0-0) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. before taking on Thomas University (1-1, 0-0) on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Head coach Brian Cruz returns for his fourth season as NCF looks to earn its first Sun Conference Tournament berth. Gwen Tsoukalas leads a returning group joined by transfers from across the collegiate ranks.
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GAME NOTES
YEAR FOUR UNDER CRUZ: Cruz has guided the Mighty Banyans since the program's inaugural season and enters his fourth year at the helm. New College begins its pursuit of its first Sun Conference Tournament appearance with two games in Lake Wales.
TSOUKALAS RETURNS FOR FOURTH SEASON: Tsoukalas enters her fourth season with the Mighty Banyans after recording a program single-season record 49 steals last year. She begins the season third in NCF history with 79 career steals, 18 behind the program record of 97.
CLIMBING THE SCORING CHARTS: Tsoukalas ranks second in program history with 555 career points, trailing career leader CiCi Moore's 783. She also sits second in field goals made with 207 and 3-pointers made with 72. The program records in those categories are 272 and 111, respectively.
PACHECO PROVIDES SIZE INSIDE: At 6-foot-4, Julia Pacheco returns to the NCF frontcourt after recording 23 blocks last season. She enters the year second in program history in career blocks.
FAMILIAR FACES RETURN: Guard Aissa Diallo returns after missing last season because of injury. Kaitlyn Rittenhouse appeared in 11 games with two starts last year, averaging 2.5 points and connecting on eight 3-pointers. Hanna Valdes and Salyse Dillihay join the varsity roster after spending time with varsity reserve.
HARRIS BRINGS LEADERSHIP: Renita Harris returns after appearing in 14 games with two starts last season, averaging 2.1 points and 2.1 rebounds. Harris received the 2026 Jeffrey Glazer Award at the inaugural Rooty's NCF Athletics Award Banquet, recognizing her leadership, toughness and commitment to elevating those around her.
LOPEZ JOINS AFTER STRONG SHOWINGS AGAINST NCF: Guard Maya Lopez arrives from Beacon College after averaging 20.5 points, six rebounds, two assists and 2.5 steals in two games against the Mighty Banyans last season. Lopez scored 27 points and made six 3-pointers in one of those meetings.
TRANSFERS ADD EXPERIENCE: Trinity Harden joins the backcourt from Parkland College, alongside Fort Lauderdale transfer guard Jadah Kingcade and Palm Beach State College transfer guard Thatiyana Holiday. Junior Geriya Grady arrives from St. Petersburg College, while 6-foot-2 Milligan transfer Romy Bos adds size to the roster. Freshmen Alexa Titherington and Molly Burke round out the newcomers.
MOORE MOVES TO THE BENCH: Moore joins the coaching staff as an assistant after finishing her playing career as NCF's all-time leading scorer. Cristina Reyes returns as the program's top assistant, while Marissa Brown joins as a graduate assistant.
TWO OPPONENTS TO OPEN THE YEAR: Friday marks NCF's first meeting with Andrew College. The Mighty Banyans then face a familiar opponent Saturday in Thomas, having won both previous meetings between the programs. Their most recent matchup ended in a 55-52 NCF victory in October 2024.
SERIES HISTORY
ANDREW COLLEGE
All-Time Series: 0-0
Last Meeting: Friday marks the first meeting between the programs.
Key Player: Freshman Janelle Turner is averaging 15.5 points and 5.0 rebounds through two games, both starts. She has shot 71.4% from the field, making 15 of her 21 attempts.
THOMAS UNIVERSITY
All-Time Series: NCF leads, 2-0
Last Meeting: NCF defeated Thomas 55-52 at home in Bradenton on Oct. 26, 2024.
Key Player: Forward Ameari Logan is averaging 14.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists through two games. She has shot 58.8% from the field and 80% from the free-throw line.
UP NEXT: NCF hosts St. Catherine on Friday, Nov. 6, for its home opener.
