Cori Close has said in print that she's been having difficulty scheduling non-conference schools (as predicted by Dawn Staley a couple of years ago). At two separate fan events in the past month, she reiterated this and made allusions to having to "get creative". UCLA is playing six games at neutral sites in the first month of this season, compared to a more usual two to three games. I can only assume that opposing teams were benefitting financially in some way from these "showcase' games.
So, I'm not sure if she is being "aggressive" or just taking what she can get. But, UCLA generally plays at least two major opponents outside of early tournaments in November and December, so I don't think that she is particularly avoidant of competition.
If I'm going to get REALLY cynical, it doesn't hurt your portal recruiting when you play teams with great players and are relentlessly pleasant, complimentary, and not unhinged before, during, and after games. Looking at the state of UCLA's projected roster in 26-27, that's definitely a consideration.
