glimpse

At her players’ request, Cori Close showed up inside Pauley Pavilion five hours before tipoff. The UCLA women’s basketball coach was joined by her assistants and managers for pregame shooting at 6:30 a.m., so many players filling the court that the sessions had to be staggered.

Three days after a lackluster showing in their season opener, the Bruins felt they had something to prove in their first game at home. The additional work before facing UC Santa Barbara on Thursday reflected their commitment.

“I mean, I never have to coach this team’s work ethic,” Close said. “That is never in question. And so that’s a really fun place to be in.”

The day’s biggest gratification would come later, the third-ranked Bruins resembling an All-Star team at times during an 87-50 rout of the Gauchos that showed glimpses of the firepower they hope to fully unleash by season’s end.

Forward Gabriela Jaquez revealed one of the best long-range shooting displays of her career, making four of seven three-pointers on the way to 21 points. Point guard Kiki Rice was a constant playmaker in her return to the starting lineup while scoring 20 points, grabbing eight rebounds and distributing three assists. Shooting guard Gianna Kneepkens added another dimension to the offense with four more three-pointers and 20 points.

It was the first time the Bruins had three players score 20 or more points since four of them did it against Bellarmine in November 2023.

“There’s so many weapons that I feel like it’s hard for the defense to choose what to take away,” Kneepkens said, “so I think really what makes this team special is that on any night it could be someone’s night, so that’s a really hard thing to scout.”

The challenge for the Bruins (2-0) could be to maximize all that talent.

Close said Rice had sent her an Oklahoma City Thunder news conference in which the team talked about building rhythm with its offense by best utilizing the players who were hot on any given night.

“We’re not quite there yet,” Close said. “We’re not playing with great rhythm. … I think we just haven’t totally found that flow yet.”

UCLA guard Kiki Rice drives to the basket past UC Santa Barbara guard Zoe Shaw during the second half Thursday.

(Kyusung Gong / Associated Press)

Part of that could be pinned on Rice still rounding into form from a shoulder injury and fellow point guard Charlisse Leger-Walker (eight points, seven assists, three steals) playing in only her second game since returning from a lengthy injury layoff.

The Bruins were also without Sienna Betts (lower leg) and Timea Gardiner (knee) for a second consecutive game. Close said there remained no timetable for Betts’ return even as she continued to progress.

But Close said she liked the way her players responded after describing them as “flat all the way around” in their opener, a 24-point victory over San Diego State.

“The film session after that was not fun. Practice was not fun,” Close said. “And their willingness to say, ‘This is what we need. We need to be challenged. We didn’t meet the standard’ — I’m really impressed with their willingness to do that.”

After some lackadaisical UCLA defense in the first quarter, there was a stretch in the second quarter in which the Bruins made it difficult just to get the ball past halfcourt.

Jaquez stuck out a hand, tipping an outlet pass to herself before going in for a driving layup in which she was fouled. On the Gauchos’ next possession, Leger-Walker came up with another steal, leading to a Rice layup.

It wasn’t long before Jaquez and teammate Lauren Betts (12 points, seven rebounds, six assists) used a double team along the sideline to force another turnover.

Closing the half on a 19-2 run, the Bruins surged into a 51-26 lead. UCLA also benefited from an oddity midway through the second quarter when the Gauchos (1-1) were assessed a technical foul for having a player wearing a jersey number that didn’t correspond with the scorebook.

For UCLA, the biggest challenge might have been scheduling the game.

Close said she’s struggled to get teams to agree to play the Bruins after their Final Four run, calling every school in the state from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Most of UCLA’s marquee nonconference games, starting with a showdown against Oklahoma on Monday in Sacramento, will be at neutral sites.

“They kept saying it’s the Lauren Betts factor and I was like, ‘No, it’s the you’re scared factor. Come on,’ ” Close said. “I actually really lose respect for people who aren’t willing to step up and play hard people.”

The Gauchos eagerly complied in part because they were Close’s alma mater and the spot where she coached for nine years.

“Thank you to them for stepping up and coming into Pauley,” Close said, “and wanting to get better at their craft and growing the game.”

For the Gauchos, given the way things went, they might be owed a Christmas card as well.

Early to rise, the Bruins also put an early end to any upset hopes.

It’s hard to believe this stunning town is within the UK, and it’s the perfect place for Brits to get away

Tucked away in North Devon, this charming town offers a seaside escape with views so breathtaking it’s been likened to Switzerland.

Lynton & Lynmouth is famed for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, attracting Brits who are keen to experience its unique environment, which feels worlds away from the rest of England. Indeed, its spectacular waterfalls and expansive landscapes could easily be mistaken for those found in a mountainous European town, rather than a British coastal resort.

These vistas can be admired from the famous Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, offering families the opportunity to ascend high into the mountains. This isn’t your average railway – it’s multi-award-winning, having first opened its doors in 1890 as the steepest and highest entirely water-powered railway in the world.

The cliff railway itself is a major draw for tourists, nestled in the heart of Exmoor National Park. It seamlessly connects the towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, providing unforgettable coastal views that will stay etched in your memory forever.

Its iconic structure is one of only three of its kind globally and remains a grade II listed building. With regular services throughout the day, waiting times are typically short, and prices are reasonable at just £3.75 for adults and £2.25 for children, reports the Express.

One holidaymaker took to TripAdvisor to share their delightful experience, writing: “Had an amazing time here, Lynton is a town with shops and beautiful scenery. You have the cliff railway to Lynmouth village that took my breath away. It was an overwhelmingly little village that definitely had little Switzerland feel.”

Another traveller added: “Excellent village and fantastic view; you can feel like you’re in a small village in Switzerland, and the village is absolutely free compared with Clovelly, where you have to pay to see the village.

“When you get to Lynton, you have to go by Cliff Railway, which will cost you around 11 pounds for a family of four but is absolutely worth it.”

The charming twin villages are nestled within Exmoor National Park, a haven of tranquillity and serenity. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views of babbling brooks and deep valleys or yearning for a sense of adventure, the national park caters to all.

Tucked away within the park are several stunning waterfalls, reminiscent of those found across the picturesque landscapes in Switzerland. Two particularly renowned ones are Watersmeet, nestled quietly within woodland and coastal trails.

However, to witness them in their full splendour, it’s best to visit after a heavy downpour.

A visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “A walk down steeply wooded paths, with many seats along the way to stop and admire the place, to a magical meeting of two rivers and waterfalls. A charming house, now a cafe, offers delicious food, and there are many trails to explore.”

The eight uncapped players in the Wales squad are Mia Ross, Annie Wilding, Gwen Zimmerman, Scarlett Hill and Amy Richardson, who get their first call-ups, while Poppy Soper, Teagan Scarlett and Tianna Teisar are hoping to make their Wales debuts having been involved with previous squads.

Charlton Athletic midfielder Ross, who has played for England at under-19 and under-23 level, might have played for Wales already were it not for injury.

“Mia, firstly, is a fantastic person. I’ve been in communication with Mia pretty much since I got the job. I’ve been watching her,” said Wilkinson.

“I think she’s got a vision and an understanding of space that’s always really interested me and intrigued me, and it’s a big decision to choose a nationality to play for.

Wilkinson added both player and coach had taken their time and had lots of good conversations before commiting.

“Equally no-one will come into this squad if they’re not the right person for this squad. So yes, she was part of the England pathway, but there’s a type of person that I know can fit in well with this Welsh team,” the head coach explained.

“We have to keep our Welsh heritage, our Welsh understanding strong, that connection and passion for the flag, for the badge, has to be paramount. If that person that I’m looking at doesn’t have that, then I stop recruiting them.

“And from the beginning, Mia’s been very clear that this was something she was interested in, that she felt very strongly about, and we haven’t forced or pushed those conversations, it’s happened quite naturally, and she then got injured.

“So we gave her space and now she’s back playing well, and we’re really looking forward to having her for the first time in with the group.”

THE first glimpse of a popular UK seaside town’s £20million beachfront transformation has been revealed in brand new footage.

Located in the heart of Devon, the new project is set to redefine a stretch of stunning British coastline.

An incredible new fly-through tour has provided residents with a first look at Paignton’s bright future.

The ambitious new plans include the instalment of vital flood protection and upgrades to public areas.

After being appointed by Torbay Council, the construction firm Knights Brown has revealed that it is preparing for full-scale works to commence in early November.

The project is set to unfold in three key phases.

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It aims to protect homes, businesses, and community areas from coastal flooding, while also introducing brand new promenades, seating zones, landscaping and improved lighting.

Phase one will focus on Paignton Green North, with work scheduled for completion before the English Riviera Airshow in May 2026.

The following phase will aim to tackle Paignton Green South.

While a separate single-phase scheme at Preston seafront is due to start at the end of the year.

The £20million project is being funded by the UK government and the Environment Agency as part of broader efforts to strengthen climate resilience.

Construction zones are expected to briefly pause during the 2026 six-week summer holiday period.

Throughout construction residents will also still be able to access both beaches.

Promenades will also stay open but may be narrowed in places.

The green spaces surrounding the work will also remain fully accessible and local businesses will continue to run as usual.

Cllr Chris Lewis, deputy leader and cabinet member for place development and economic growth at Torbay Council, said: “This marks Paignton’s first large-scale transformational project—an initiative that goes far beyond flood defence.

“It will deliver a dramatically enhanced seafront experience for all, with modern design and improved public spaces that add lasting value to the area.

“More than protection, this scheme is about unlocking Paignton’s future as a thriving, vibrant coastal town.”

Mike Crook, divisional director at Knights Brown, added: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with Torbay Council on this game-changing project for Paignton and Preston.

“We have vast experience in coastal and marine projects, having worked on schemes across Wales and the UK, including Mumbles in Wales and Associated British Ports in Southampton.

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“Our team is excited to contribute to Paignton and Preston’s future—not just through construction, but by being an active and positive presence in the community.

“We look forward to working closely with residents, businesses and local organisations to ensure this project benefits everyone.”