Close and Jaquez lead UCLA to first national title in NCAA era
Mike Klan
PHOENIX, Arizona. (KEYT) – UCLA finally has a national title in women’s basketball in the NCAA era and two strong 805 connections played a major part in the historic victory.
UCLA routed South Carolina 79-51 in the championship game.
Former UCSB player and associate head coach Cori Close guides the Bruins to the championship in her 15th season as head coach of the Bruins.
“This is immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine and so I am just really grateful,” said Close who patiently built this program into a national power.
Close has had UCLA knocking on the door for the past several seasons with four straight trips to the Sweet 16 and a Final Four appearance last year.
But this Bruins team gets it done with a talented group of seniors including Camarillo High School alum Gabriela Jaquez.
Her dream was to always play and win a title at UCLA and it becomes a reality.
Jaquez had a game-high 21 points along with 10 rebounds and 5 assists in the championship game for an outstanding finish to her great career in Westwood.
The 2022 Camarillo High School graduate was the Bruins 3rd leading scorer this year.
“This season when we decided we wanted to do something we did it and I am just so proud,” stated Jaquez.
Cori Close played at UCSB from 1989-1993 and later was an assistant and then associate head coach of the Gauchos from 1995-2004. Close helped the Gauchos become a west coast women’s basketball powerhouse and they even reached the Sweet 16 in 2004.
The Bruins finish this season 37-1 and national champions.