After a superb 20-4 regular season record last year, the Windsor Lancers women's basketball team is once again facing high expectations. The team ended last season tied with McMaster for first place in the OUA West and look to continue this success with interim head coach Emma Duinker taking the helm.

The Lancers are under new direction this year, as Lancer head coach Chantal Vallee is on sabbatical for the 2018-19 season and assistant coach Emma Duinker will step into the role for season. 
    
While the team has 11 players returning from last season, Emily Prevost will not be among the ranks this year.
    
"Emily Prevost was an impactful player and a powerful leader," said Duinker. "She brought a level of hustle and work ethic that allowed her to become a critical player and made a challenging match up for bigger post players."
    
Duinker explained that while Prevost's presence will be missed this season, the team will be relying on a couple of different sources to fill her role. Along with Kayah Clarke's powerful attacks, the team will be seeing three newcomers to the roster in the form of Ajax native Angel Muir, Cambridge's Yasmeen Smith and Drumbo's Madeleine Adams, all of which bring a unique talent to the team.

Also returning to the team is Olivia Osamusali and Eve Uwayesu. The 6'4 sophomore, Osamusali holds the Lancers record for rebounds in a game with 18 boards. Uwayesu was the team's best shooter last year, making 41 per cent of her field goals.
    
The team's biggest competition this year will likely be the strong McMaster squad, who had an equally successful record last season, while not losing any players to graduation this year. 
    
However Duinker is not too concerned as she claims, "We have a dynamic group of athletes who I believe will match up well against the strong McMaster group."
    
The tip off to the season will be at 6:00pm on Oct. 20 on the road as the Lancers face off against the Waterloo Warriors. The game can be seen live at www.oua.tv. The Lancers will host the York Lion's for their home opener on Nov. 2 at 6:00pm. Season tickets for the Blue & Gold can be purchased online at www.golancers.ca/tickets.