University of San Francisco Athletics

SAN FRANCISCO — Though she's one of eight true freshmen this season for the San Francisco women's basketball team, it's hard to miss Abby Rathbun when she's in the game with all of the energy and effort she puts out for the Dons every minute she has been on the court.
 
In this week's spotlight on Abby, featured in the latest episode of USF's cable television show "Behind the Mask" that debuted Tuesday, she talks about learning the lesson of hard work and not giving in while growing up on her family's cattle ranch in Moses Lake, Wash., and how that has parlayed into her basketball game – bringing her success everywhere she has been.


 
Just 14 games into her collegiate career and Rathbun has already become an important part of the Dons' rotation. At 5-feet, 11-inches, and with a strong physical presence on the court, Rathbun has played important minutes for USF at the forward position. She's also already turned in her first two starts at the college level. She's done a little bit of everything, averaging 6.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game while collecting 17 assists, 15 steals and shooting 76.9 percent from the free-throw line. She's had three double-digit scoring games and is a 40.2 percent shooter from the floor.
 
This weekend, Rathbun and the Dons continue West Coast Conference play when they travel to Southern California to face Loyola Marymount and Pepperdine. Thursday's game at the Lions is set for a 7 p.m. tip-off while Saturday's matchup against the Waves will start at 2 p.m. Fans can find all live coverage links on USFDons.com.
 
Check local listings for your cable provider's station guide and additional air dates and times each month. Segments from the show, as well as past seasons of "Behind the Mask," can also be found on-demand on USF Athletics' YouTube channel.
 
To tune in to the show in the San Francisco Bay Area, NBC Sports California can typically be found on channel 698 for DirecTV customers, 438 on the Dish Network, 412-01 on Dish Hopper packages, 767 on U-Verse and 41 on most Comcast packages. NBC Sports Bay Area can be generally be accessed at channel 40 on Comcast, 41 on the Dish Network, 696 for DirecTV subscribers, and at 770 on U-Verse.