Local teams chase defending champion Hawaii

New season, new faces, new expectations.

The Big West 2023-24 women's basketball season gets underway as soon as Monday. Hawaii, which won last year's conference tournament, is the preseason favorite based on voting by the Big West's 11 head coaches.

Here's a look at the five local teams, in alphabetical order:

CAL STATE FULLERTON Coach: Jeff Harada, seventh season

Last season: 14-16, 9-11 conference

Who's back: The Titans return seven of their top eight scorers. Fujika Nimmo was second in scoring (14.5 ppg) last season. Ashlee Lewis, a 6-1center, also returns for her senior year after averaging 10.3points and a team-high 7.3rebounds. Kathryn Neff has started 47games over four seasons.

Who's gone: Una Jovanovic led the Titans in scoring last season at 14.6 ppg as their primary ball handler, but the All-Big West second-team selection has taken her skills to TCU.

Who's new: Junior guard Emily Strachan averaged 13.8ppg at Central Maine Community College last season, earning first-team allconference honors and being named by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association as one of the top 10 junior college players in the nation last season.

Coach's quote: “Emily is an experienced, dynamic guard and high-level scorer who fits in perfectly to our offensive system. Her motor is nonstop and her outgoing personality, work ethic and maturity will definitely help our team.” — Jeff Harada

CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE Coach: Carlene Mitchell, third season Last season: 7-24, 6-14conference Who's back: Kayanna Spriggs, a 6-2 junior who made 28starts at forward last season, was fifth in scoring (4.8 ppg.) and fourth in rebounding (3.6

Who's gone:

Coach's quote:

LONG BEACH STATE Coach: Amy Wright, first season Last season: 23-10, 17-3conference

Who's back:

Who's gone: