{
  "id": 10232080,
  "title": "2026-27 Big East Women’s Basketball Summer Vibe Check: DePaul Blue Demons",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/2026-27-big-east-womens-basketball-summer-vibe-check-depaul-blue",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-27T14:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/2026-27-big-east-women-144500007.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The 2026-27 Big East Women’s Basketball summer vibe check reveals a significant shakeup at DePaul Blue Demons. With a disappointing 8-24 record and 5-15 Big East finish last season, the team has lost its top three players who were crucial to their performance. Katie Novik, who led the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists, has transferred to South Florida. Natiah Nelson, known for her scoring prowess, joined Toledo, while Alayna West transferred to Alabama. Katie Clarke, who struggled with injuries last season, will return, but her performance remains uncertain. Mikaia Litza, a freshman guard from Wauwatosa, WI, has joined the team, having set a state record for assists in 2025. The team's only returner is Devin Hagemann, who averaged over 30 minutes per game last season but will miss the upcoming campaign due to a torn ACL.",
  "summary": "The Blue Demons just had their worst season ever and added a Wisconsin softball player as a transfer in August.",
  "key_points": [
    "DePaul Blue Demons' 8-24 record and 5-15 Big East finish last season",
    "Top three players Katie Novik, Natiah Nelson, and Alayna West transferred to other teams",
    "Freshman guard Mikaia Litza joins DePaul, setting state record for assists in 2025"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}