PROVO, Utah — The Lee Cummard era of BYU women’s basketball began with a statement. The Cougars opened their season with an 86–50 exhibition win over Western Colorado on Tuesday night at the Marriott Center — a game that gave fans a glimpse of what’s to come under their new head coach.
Behind a late surge and standout performances from both veterans and newcomers, BYU showcased depth, energy, and promise heading into the 2025–26 season.
Here are three key takeaways from the unofficial season opener.
1. Delaney Gibb’s Leadership Will Define This Team
Sophomore Delaney Gibb, last year’s Big 12 Freshman of the Year, continues to be the heart of the team. She scored 13 points, adding four assists and three rebounds in 26 minutes, guiding the Cougars’ offense even when her shots weren’t falling consistently (4-of-14 from the field, 2-of-9 from deep).
While Gibb’s individual stats stood out, her real growth will come from her leadership role. With only two seniors on the roster — Lara Rohkohl (a transfer from College of Charleston) and Hattie Ogden (from Buffalo) — Cummard will rely heavily on Gibb’s maturity to anchor a team full of underclassmen.
Cummard also welcomed back Ari Mackey-Williams and Marya Hudgins, both returning from long injury absences. Hudgins contributed 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in her first game back since a knee injury last season.
“She’s impactful,” Cummard said of Hudgins. “If we can just get her to use that energy on the defensive end, she can really help us win. She brings life to the floor — especially when she’s staying out of foul trouble.”
2. Freshmen Guards Shine Early — and Often
If BYU’s future lies in its backcourt, it’s already in good hands. True freshmen Sydney Benally and Olivia Hamlin looked poised, aggressive, and ready for extended minutes.
Benally — a 5’9″ guard from Albuquerque — started and logged 24 minutes, finishing with 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. She was clutch down the stretch, connecting on all four of her fourth-quarter attempts, including back-to-back threes that fueled a 10–0 BYU run.
Hamlin, a former Snow Canyon High standout, came off the bench but made an immediate impact, scoring 12 points and grabbing 6 rebounds in 26 minutes. She also dished out three assists and hit a pair of triples, showing strong defensive instincts and court awareness.
“We both just want to bring that defensive energy — a lockdown defense — and not get tired,” Benally said. “We want to be described as mosquitoes. We just keep coming at you.”
The combination of Gibb, Benally, and Hamlin gives BYU one of its most exciting guard rotations in recent memory — a trio capable of pushing tempo, scoring in transition, and defending aggressively.
3. Cummard’s Deep Rotation Already Making a Difference
In his first game on the sideline, Coach Lee Cummard made it clear that this year’s BYU squad will run deep. Eleven players saw meaningful minutes, even with Kambree Barber sitting out due to a minor injury.
After a relatively close three quarters, the Cougars blew the game open with a 26–8 fourth-quarter run, powered by a relentless rebounding advantage (47–37, including 18 offensive boards) and improved shooting from beyond the arc. BYU attempted 35 three-pointers, making 12, while also recording eight blocks.
Cummard said he intends to keep the rotation wide to wear opponents down — something he experienced firsthand as a former BYU player.
“We feel like we can play more bodies than we have in the past,” Cummard said. “It just wears on teams — wave after wave of fresh players.”
The Cougars’ ability to stay disciplined, rebound aggressively, and score in transition will be key as they open the regular season on Nov. 5 against Coastal Carolina (2 p.m. MST, ESPN+).
Looking Ahead
BYU’s exhibition win wasn’t just a tune-up — it was a preview of a new identity under Coach Cummard: fast-paced, defense-first, and built around depth.
With a promising blend of leadership from Gibb and fresh energy from Benally and Hamlin, the Cougars look ready to compete hard in the Big 12 this season — and bring back the consistency that defined BYU women’s basketball for years.
