Disappointed in Elite Eight loss, Duke sets sights on next year: ‘Definitely within our reach’

Tears ran down the faces of multiple Duke players on Sunday afternoon after ending their season with a four-point loss to South Carolina in the Elite Eight, expressing the pain of losing and knowing this particular roster won’t play together again.

There was also a smattering of laughs, smiles and hugs; the Blue Devils also know where they are as a program.

Duke has consistently improved under coach Kara Lawson since she took over the program in 2020. Its first season was canceled due to COVID-19. It missed the tournament the second season. In Year 3, Lawson led her squad to the Round of 32. Last year, a Sweet 16. This time, the Elite Eight — and four-points behind the reigning national champion.

“It takes a special group to do that, and that’s the sadness that you feel after a loss is that you won’t have a chance to coach this group together again,” Lawson said. “That’s why March is euphoric when you win but crushing when you lose. I told our group to hold their heads high. They represented themselves well, Duke well, their families well. I think everyone that watched the game today that is affiliated with Duke is really proud of the team and the effort.”

The Blue Devils, while this loss hasn’t fully sunk in, already has its eyes on next season.

“This one stings a bit because of the way the game went and how close it was,” Oluchi Okananwa said. “This being our second year, and us having more experience and being more knowledgeable in this game, we obviously had a lot more confidence. But, (I’m) so proud of these girls. We’re all so proud of the season we’ve had. Like always, we’re gonna take our mistakes, take the lessons we’ve learned from this game, and apply them for next season.”

Toby Fournier played a key role on the offensive end in the Blue Devils’ 54-50 loss to the Gamecocks, leading all players with 18 points. The freshman added six rebounds, five of which came on the offensive end.

She drew a pair of fouls and blocked three shots, as well.

Lawson described Fournier’s performance as “fearless,” playing alongside USC senior Sania Feagin.

“I thought (Fournier) did a great job today offensively and defensively, attacking, getting to the free-throw line, blocking shots, competing,” Lawson said. “I mean, it’s tough to go against a Feagin. You’re a freshman and she’s a senior, really strong.”

Richardson said Fournier was the team’s spark when it struggled to score. The rookie came off the bench and scored 12 first-half points, shooting 5 of 11 before the intermission. She was 8 of 17 for the game, including one 3-pointer.

Duke suffered a three-minute scoring drought early in the first quarter. Fournier scored over Joyce Edwards to give the Blue Devils their second field goal of the game. She added two more baskets to cut the team’s deficit to four points.

Later in the game, Fournier and sophomore Delaney Thomas double teamed Feagin and forced a turnover.

“Seeing Toby go out there and be herself, play the game that she knows best, it’s incredible, especially being her freshman year,” Richardson said. “She was really that spark that we needed to start off the game. She gave us everything she had. I’m just super proud of her, super proud of her growth that she made just in one season, and I know she’s going to be a beast down the line.”

Okananwa struggled to score, but helped Fournier clean the glass, contributing a team-high seven rebounds. The sophomore was also a force on defense with three steals.

Then, there was Ashlon Jackson who has been with the program through its three NCAA Tournament runs. The junior finished with 13 points, three rebounds and six assists.

Jackson, Okananwa and Fournier all said some version of the same thing: The team was happy to make history, earning a spot in the regional final for the first time in 12 years, and understands the privilege of making it to this point. That’s still not enough. Duke is not satisfied yet.

The only roster turnover Duke experienced in 2024 was due to graduation. No one transferred. It expects that to be the case again; Reigan Richardson is the only planned departure. Vanessa de Jesus has an additional year of eligibility, Lawson said.

Emilee Skinner, the seventh-best player in the ESPN top 100, joins the team next season. Three current players who did not play this season should be available in 2025-26.

Lawson went to the Final Four twice as a player at Tennessee under Pat Summitt. She won a WNBA Championship and earned two Olympic gold medals — as a player and a coach. With her at the helm, and a deeply-connected team, there’s no doubt where Duke is headed.

“We have a lot of really talented players, and even this game was super close,” Fournier said. “We know that we can compete with the highest level competition if we’re fully ourselves and we live up to our potential. I think, yes, within the next few years a Final Four is definitely within our reach.”

This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Disappointed in Elite Eight loss, Duke sets sights on next year: ‘Definitely within our reach’."

Jadyn Watson-Fisher

The News & Observer