UAA basketball starts season with win in Hawaii

The University of Alaska Anchorage women’s basketball team secured its first victory of the 2026-27 season with a 31-point win over Chaminade in Honolulu, marking the start of a campaign defined by increased roster depth and a shift in coaching leadership.

Head coach Matt Thune guided the Seawolves to a 31-point victory in the Hoops In Hawaii Tip-Off Classic after dropping their first two games. The team lost to Colorado Mesa and Lubbock Christian, two of the top NCAA Division II programs in the country, before securing the win. Colorado Mesa finished the previous season with only two losses and reached the NCAA Elite Eight.

Thune, who was hired in June to replace Ryan McCarthy, took over a program that had lost several key players to graduation or transfers. McCarthy departed for Fresno State University at the NCAA Division I level. Thune noted that the initial recruiting cycle was a challenge because the team required a full rebuild rather than minor adjustments. He stated that the staff prioritized finding players who fit their specific system and culture over simply filling roster spots.

The new roster features a mix of experienced veterans and local talent. Thune described the group as having 14 veteran players who have absorbed the team’s early-season workload. He pointed to fifth-year senior Bella Hays, a Wasilla native, as a key efficient shooter. Returning forward Lillee Duffin, the previous season’s leading rebounder, is also expected to contribute in multiple roles.

Sophomore guard Mylee Anderson, a Wasilla High School graduate, returned to the lineup after finishing third on the team in scoring with 262 points and leading in assists with 102 during her freshman year. Anderson emphasized the team’s improved depth, noting that the bench unit is now as strong as the starting five. She said the team aims to build a culture focused on feeding teammates and securing wins regardless of individual statistics.

Thune highlighted the roster’s versatility, citing the ability to score from multiple positions and the presence of better defenders with more size. He said the team can punish opponents inside and does not need to rely on one or two players for production. The coaching staff believes the group’s basketball IQ is higher than in previous seasons, allowing for a more cohesive offensive approach.

The Seawolves will play their home opener against the College of Idaho at 7 p.m. Friday at the Alaska Airlines Center. Thune said the tough environment in Hawaii prepared the team for later in the season, specifically the road trip to Western Washington for their first GNAC conference game. The experience of competing against elite national programs provided a benchmark for the team’s current level of play.