SEASON PREVIEW: UPEI Women’s Basketball Panthers primed for another championship run in 2023–24
Since claiming the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) title in 2019–20, the UPEI Women’s Basketball Panthers have been knocking on the door for another championship, and they’re hoping this is the year they break through again.
The Panthers have made it to the semifinals in each of the past two seasons and return a similar roster that has the talent and experience to go all the way.
“Our main focus has been to keep getting better every day. We have a lot of potential that we haven’t tapped into yet,” said fourth-year all-star Lauren Rainford. “We are learning every day, taking it one game at a time, and honing in on taking care of the things we can control.”
Led by Rainford, UPEI’s roster boasts a wealth of experience, with many key players having been with the team for several seasons. This continuity has allowed them to build strong chemistry on the court, which could be their greatest advantage.
Third-year guards Devon Lawlor, Grace Lancaster, and Sydney Cummins, as well as forward Elise Plaschka, have all played important roles in the team’s past two semi-final runs and will factor largely again this season. Aiden Rainford joined the team last season and will once again be the low post threat she was brought in to be.
“Even though we carry many of the same players, every team is unique and has to take on its own identity,” said Panthers head coach Matt Gamblin. “To get over the hump, we have to be the hardest working team in the conference and never make excuses.”
One of the most exciting developments for the Panthers this offseason was the addition of Karla Benitez, a rising star in women's university basketball. Benitez joins UPEI after a stellar stint with the Holland College Hurricanes, where she established herself as a dominant force on both ends of the floor. In 2022–23, she was named to the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association All-Conference First Team and was the team’s top offensive player that season, averaging 16.1 points (on 49.6 per cent shooting), 8.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Her versatility, defensive prowess, and scoring ability will be invaluable to the Panthers as they seek to fill the void left by the departures of all-star Karla Yepez and sharpshooter Alicia Bowering.
Samantha Zoffranieri and Lily Vrugteman are two young players to keep an eye on, as they have the potential to make an impact. Zoffranieri was a revelation in the playoffs last season, where she averaged 14.0 points and 5.5 rebounds on 42.3 per cent shooting in two games. Vrugteman comes in as a rookie with a soft shooting touch and the ability to score off the bench.
One thing that sets the Panthers apart is their commitment to defence. Since Gamblin took on the head coach role, he has instilled a defensive identity in the team that has proven to be a winning formula. Over the past four seasons, the Panthers have led the conference in fewest points allowed, and they intend to do so again this year.
The defence got a boost in the offseason when they added reigning RSEQ Most Outstanding Defensive Player Deborah Aboagye, who spent four years with the Bishop's Gaiters where she played a significant role as the team’s defensive anchor.
“I expect to be a locked-in defensive team who treats every possession like it’s the last one in the game,” Gamblin said. “We will play with urgency and intensity, and we’ll beat teams by keeping them uncomfortable and playing to our strengths.”
With a veteran squad, the addition of Benitez and Aboagye, and a strong defensive identity, the Panthers have all the tools they need to make a serious run at the AUS championship. The team has been close in previous years, but this year, they’re determined to get it done.
The team plays its home opener on Friday, November 3, at 6 pm, against the St. Francis Xavier X-Women at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. Tickets can be purchased at panthertickets.ca
