The players were full of spirit, jumping up and down and high-fiving each other. Coach Cori Close was smiling. The cheers of anticipating fans, the rumble of the announcer, balls dribbling and swooshing through nets, the squeaks of shoes – these are the sounds of a highly anticipated season of UCLA women’s basketball on the brand-new court of Pauley Pavilion. Read more...

Photo: Sophomore guard Nirra Fields was one of the returning players on a women’s basketball team that featured a blend of new and old talent. (Erin Ng/Daily Bruin senior staff)

Individually, each player has a long list of accolades attached to her name. Collectively, they’re known as the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation. As of June 22, they’ve added another label to their names: UCLA freshmen. Read more...

Photo: The five Bruin freshmen that make up the No. 1-ranked recruiting class (left to right) Jordin Canada, Kelli Hayes, Monique Billings, Lajahna Drummer and Recee’ Caldwell, officially moved in to UCLA on June 22. (Aubrey Yeo/Daily Bruin senior staff)