Western Carolina opened its 2026-27 season with a 96-31 rout of Carolina University, using sharp shooting and suffocating defense to control the game after falling behind 3-0. Ally Hollifield scored a game-high 25 points, while freshman My’Asia Young recorded a double-double in her collegiate debut.

By the Numbers
  • Ally Hollifield: 25 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range.
  • My’Asia Young: 10 points and 13 rebounds; Hannah Moss scored 17.
  • WCU shot 46.7% from the field and 43.3% from 3-point range, finishing with 56 rebounds, 22 assists and 16 steals.
  • The Catamounts scored 41 points off Carolina University’s 29 turnovers and held the Bruins to two points in the third quarter.
  • WCU is 3-0 in season openers under coach Jonathan Tsipis, with each win by at least 40 points.
State of Play
  • Five Catamounts reached double figures, including Ellie Richardson, who returned from injury with 10 points, six rebounds and four assists.
  • Six newcomers combined for 51 points and 33 rebounds.
  • Western Carolina continues its season-opening homestand Thursday against West Florida.
Bottom Line

WCU’s newcomers made an immediate impact, while its defense turned a season opener into a one-sided statement.