By Chris Zorbas
 
There will be a familiar face back on the sidelines when the Windsor Lancers women's basketball team tips off the 2019-20 season on October 23rd. Head coach Chantal Vallée will make her return to the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse after taking a year sabbatical.
 
"I've been away, and I haven't coached these girls since February 2018," explained Vallée. "Athletes that were in first year are now in third year so for me the excitement is personal, I want to see how they've been growing and developing."
 
For Coach Vallée, not being around since 2018 means she returns to a team that no longer has a player that had won a championship, specifically, Emily Prevost who graduated in 2018 and Carly Steer who graduated this past season. "They were big time performers," Vallée recalled before lauding their leadership and turning her attention back to this year's team, saying they'd have to learn to do the same.
 
On the court the Lancers enjoy having depth and talent at the guard position that coach Vallée believes should make for a three-dimensional offense, drive, shoot and pass, as well as strong play in the post. Inside the Lancers return both Olivia Osamusali and Arianna Milani who as third year players, should be forces down low.
 
In addition to Osamulasi who averaged 10.9 points per game last season, the blue and gold return fourth year guard Kayah Clarke who averaged 11.7 last year, and Eve Uwayesu at 8.8 points per game.
 
On defense the Lancers are looking to establish themselves as a gritty, high effort unit. Coach Vallée immediately brought up defensive effort as something she really wanted to see from her girls early to set the tone for the season. "We want to hold opponents to under 60," declared Vallée.
 
This will be aided by Osamusali who led the team in rebounds last year with 7.6. Fifth year guard Kaylee Anagnostopoulos will also play a major role for the blue and gold this season. Averaging just under 30 minutes of playing time a game, the forensic science major pulled in an impressive 144 rebounds last year and 73 assists. 
 
The 2019-20 Lancer women's basketball season kicks off this Wednesday, October 23rd when they host the Western Mustangs at the Fairall Fieldhouse. Tip-off is set for 6:00pm, and tickets can be purchased online at www.goLancers.ca/tickets.