The UConn Women’s Basketball team, fresh off their 2025 National Championship, kicked off their preseason with an 84-67 exhibition win over Boston College at Mohegan Sun Arena. This early contest provided a revealing look at the team’s dynamics, highlighting stellar individual performances from Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, and transfer Serah Williams, while also exposing areas for growth as they navigate life without the departed Paige Bueckers.
The defending national champions are back on the court, albeit unofficially, and the early returns are overwhelmingly positive for UConn Women’s Basketball. In front of a crowd of 6,012 at Mohegan Sun Arena, Geno Auriemma’s squad secured an 84-67 victory against Boston College. While preseason games often serve as a canvas for both brilliance and early-season rust, this outing offered a compelling preview of what fans can expect from the Huskies in the 2025-26 season.
The win marks the beginning of a new chapter for UConn, as it’s the first season since 2020 without superstar Paige Bueckers, who was drafted as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft after leading the Huskies to their 12th NCAA Championship. This shift places a greater spotlight on returning talent and new additions to carry the torch for a program accustomed to sustained excellence.
The ‘Sarah-Serah Show’ Dominates the Paint
Two forwards emerged as the undisputed bright spots against Boston College: sophomore Sarah Strong and senior transfer Serah Williams. Their combined presence provided an immediate, dominant force inside that UConn has longed for.
- Sarah Strong’s Sophomore Surge: Strong displayed a palpable boost in confidence and an expanded offensive repertoire. She attacked the basket with renewed aggression, making floaters look effortless, and showcased a well-rounded game with 17 points, five rebounds, a team-high five assists, two blocks, and two steals. Her performance underscored why Coach Auriemma has been “raving” about her improvement since last season, as reported by USA TODAY Sports.
- Serah Williams’ Immediate Impact: The 6-foot-4 Wisconsin transfer proved to be everything UConn needed and more. Williams, who averaged 19.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game last season for the Badgers, played with an impressive blend of physicality and skill. She scored 15 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished two assists, and added two blocks and a steal, demonstrating her ability to play through contact and utilize her length on both ends of the court. Her seamless integration into the team’s system was noted by Auriemma, who stated, “She’s going to be a huge help for us.”
At halftime, Strong and Williams accounted for 25 of UConn’s 43 points and eight of its 16 rebounds, underscoring their critical role in the Huskies’ early success.
Azzi Fudd’s Third-Quarter Masterclass and Emerging Leadership
After a relatively quiet first half with five points, graduate guard Azzi Fudd exploded in the third quarter, showcasing the offensive firepower and leadership potential that makes her a focal point for the Huskies. Fudd sank five consecutive 3-pointers within the first seven minutes of the quarter, tallying 15 points and quickly becoming the first Husky to reach the 20-point mark. She finished the game with a team-best 20 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting from the floor, along with three rebounds and four assists.
Fudd, who has battled significant right knee injuries throughout her collegiate career, including missing time in the 2022-23 season, showed initiative by directing plays and guiding teammates, especially when starter KK Arnold was off the court. Her ability to bounce back and take charge is crucial for a team looking to defend its title without its previous floor general. This leadership, combined with her offensive explosion, paints a promising picture for her final season in Storrs.
Navigating New Depth: A Blessing and a Challenge
For the first time in years, UConn boasts significant depth, with all 14 available players seeing action against Boston College (sophomore Morgan Cheli remains sidelined with an ankle injury). While a newfound luxury after seasons plagued by injuries, this depth presents a new challenge for Coach Auriemma: finding optimal rotations and maintaining offensive fluidity.
The Huskies’ offense occasionally stalled and looked “frazzled” when multiple newcomers were on the court simultaneously. Auriemma acknowledged this, stating his goal is to develop two strong lineup rotations and ensure younger players gain valuable experience. He noted that while playing many players can initially hinder offense, it provides strategic flexibility to adapt defensive and offensive schemes as the season progresses. This challenge is a welcome one for a program that has often been forced to play one way due to limited healthy bodies.
The starting five for the exhibition included Azzi Fudd, KK Arnold, Ashlynn Shade, Serah Williams, and Sarah Strong. This marked Arnold’s first start since her freshman season in 2023-24, indicating Auriemma’s willingness to experiment early.
Defensive Prowess vs. Offensive Lapses
UConn’s defense was relentless, forcing Boston College into 21 turnovers and recording 14 steals. KK Arnold continued to anchor the defensive effort with tight pressure and an aggressive approach to loose balls, while Serah Williams’ 6-foot-4 frame provided a much-needed rim protector. Her ability to block shots and intercept passes showcased her immediate impact on that end of the floor.
However, the Huskies also exhibited early-season sloppiness on offense. They committed 19 turnovers and struggled from beyond the arc in the first half, shooting just 2-of-17 from deep before Azzi Fudd’s third-quarter heroics. Passes were rushed, and players, especially newcomers like Kayleigh Heckel and Blanca Quiñonez, sometimes struggled to maintain control. While UConn capitalized on 29 points off turnovers, they also conceded 18 points from their own mistakes.
Bench Production and Perimeter Defense: Areas for Growth
The exhibition also highlighted areas where UConn will need to improve:
- Bench Consistency: While all 14 available players saw action, there was a noticeable drop-off in production when Strong and Williams were off the floor. Redshirt senior Ice Brady, redshirt sophomore Jana El Alfy, and freshman Blanca Quinonez combined for only eight points. Young guards like Kayleigh Heckel and freshman point guard Kelis Fisher showed some expected nerves.
- Perimeter Defense: Despite forcing numerous turnovers, UConn’s perimeter defense allowed Boston College to connect on 5-of-14 from long range in the first half, and 10-of-28 overall. This will be a key area for adjustment as they face tougher opponents.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Another Title Defense
This exhibition game was just the first step for the defending champions. UConn will host Southern Connecticut on October 26 at the newly renovated Peoples Bank Arena (formerly XL Center) for another preseason test. The official 2025-26 season begins on November 4, with a highly anticipated matchup against Louisville in the Armed Forces Classic in Germany.
With Azzi Fudd embracing a larger leadership role, the powerful frontcourt duo of Sarah Strong and Serah Williams dominating, and Geno Auriemma strategically managing his deep roster, the Huskies have all the ingredients for another formidable season. The early growing pains are a natural part of the process, but the flashes of brilliance suggest that UConn is well-positioned to contend for its 13th national championship.
