The University of Windsor Lancers women's basketball team is ready to make a return to the OUA playoffs following an 18-4 (W-L) regular season and a trip to the OUA semi-finals.

The Lancers closed out the 2024-25 season on a 10-game winning streak, entering the playoffs as the top seed in the OUA West. Windsor took down the Guelph Gryphons in the OUA quarter-finals before a loss to the Ottawa Gee-Gees, the eventual Critelli Cup champions, in the semis.

With a strong mix of returning talent and led by head coach Chantal Vallée, the Lancers will be determined to remain at the top of the OUA standings and make a deep run into the playoffs.
 
NOTABLE RETURNING PLAYERS
Returning Lancers include Kali Grootenboer, a 6'5" centre from Thunder Bay, Ont. Grootenboer tied for the Windsor lead with 10.5 points per game last season and grabbing 6.2 rebounds per game. Her 50.6% shooting percentage was second in the entire OUA.

Julia Chiarot, a fifth-year guard, tied Grootenboer for the team lead with 10.5 points per game as well. The Hamilton, Ont. native shot 33.3% from beyond the arc last season and set a new career high with a 40.1% clip from the field. Chiarot has already suited up for 84 career games as a Lancer, and will continue to lead the team this season.
 
NEW PLAYERS
The new group of Lancers are highlighted by guard Kaylee Williams, a transfer from the Toronto Varsity Blues. The law student spent the first four years of her career at U of T, where she played in 74 games, starting 26 in her final two years and 6.7 points per game last season.

The group of first year student-athletes are LaSalle, Ont. native Yasmine Kadri, Makenzie Fineman, a 5'8" guard, Human Kinetics major Maliyah Ogorek, and Abby Cullion from Belle River, Ont.
 
2024-25 STAT LEADERS
Points per game: Julia Chiarot, Kali Grootenboer – 10.5
Assists per game: Reine Ndome – 2.3
Rebounds per game: Kali Grootenboer – 6.2
Steals per game: Reine Ndome – 2.1
Blocks per game: Kali Grootenboer – 1.3
 
KEY MATCHUPS
October 31 vs Queen's
The Lancers make their return to Toldo Lancer Centre on Halloween to take on their foes at the other end of the 401. The Gaels finished last season with a 15-7 record. The Gaels also had their season ended by the Critelli Cup champions via a loss in the quarter-finals, so both teams will be hungry to start the season on a high note.

November 28 vs Carleton
Windsor hosts the powerhouse Carleton Ravens, a team that went 22-0 in the regular season last year. The Ravens almost completed a perfect season but fell to Ottawa in the Critelli Cup final. As the lone undefeated team, the Ravens will have a target on their back and the Lancers will look to prove themselves against a strong team.

January 23 vs TMU
A consistent top team in the OUA Central, the TMU Bold will come into Toldo Lancer Centre for a high-stakes contest late in the regular season. The Lancers will hope to be cementing themselves in a playoff spot at this point in the schedule, and the Bold will be fighting for the top spot in a difficult division.

The Lancers open their home schedule on Friday, October 31 against the Queen's Gaels. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m., and tickets are available at golancers.ca/tickets and the game can be streamed online via oua.tv.