Veteran-led Panthers eye championship glory in 2024-25

By Thomas Becker

Fuelled by a veteran core determined to leave their mark, the UPEI Panthers are a team built to compete for a title in 2024-25.

With years of experience, the Panthers are poised to make their strongest push yet as they embrace what could be their final chance to capture a title together. 

One of the things going in the Panthers' favour is their balanced roster. Offensively, they are a versatile group that can attack in multiple ways. Fifth-year all-star guard Lauren Rainford stands out as the team's elite scorer, capable of creating her own shot and finishing at all three levels. Her scoring prowess is complemented by sharpshooter Devon Lawlor, who can stretch defences with her three-point shooting.

Lawlor, a leader on and off the court, has made it clear that this is the season where everything must come together.

"This is the last season for a number of our core players, so yes, we want to get it done this year," said Lawlor, who's entering her fourth season. "We're feeling confident. The preseason showed us that we can compete with the best teams in the country, and we're ready to carry that into the season."

Rookie point guard Naki Alonzo is another key piece for the Panthers, bringing a traditional point guard skill set that emphasizes ball distribution and playmaking. While Abby Miller, a fifth-year transfer from Mount Allison, provides a physical low-post presence. Her ability to rebound, defend, and score in the paint will be essential as the Panthers look to be unpredictable on the offensive end. 

Karla Benitez's versatility adds an exciting dimension to the Panthers. Making her highly anticipated debut after returning from injury, Benitez is a jack-of-all-trades player who can contribute in multiple ways, whether it's scoring, rebounding, passing, or providing energy on defence. Her return adds another dynamic element to an already deep roster that includes role players Samantha Zoffranieri, Lily Vrugteman, Sydney Lawlor, Elise Plaschka, and rookie Mya Hines. 

Offensively, the Panthers are emphasizing ball and player movement. With a focus on moving the defence and keeping opponents off balance, UPEI aims to play at a fast pace, whether in transition or in the halfcourt. But while the offence will be important, it's the defence that will define their season.

"Our goal is to be the best defensive team in the country," said head coach Matt Gamblin. "It's going to take a lot of time, attention, and toughness, but that's what we're trying to be this year."

That defensive mentality has been evident in the preseason, where the Panthers have already faced some of the top teams in the country and came away with positive results. The lessons learned from those games will carry into the regular season as UPEI looks to build an identity around shutting opponents down.

Solid one-on-one defenders like Deborah Aboagye, Grace Lancaster, and Sydney Cummins will be critical in executing this defensive game plan. Each player can lock down their assignments and disrupt the flow of the opposition's offence, and the Panthers' success will rely heavily on their defensive execution.

With many of the team's core players entering the final stages of their university careers, there's a sense of urgency surrounding the 2024-25 season. This group has the experience, talent, and depth to compete with anyone in the country, and they know that the window to win a championship is closing. For the core group of Rainford, Miller, Aboagye, Lawlor, and Lancaster, this season represents a final chance to achieve something special together.

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