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WEEKEND ROUNDUP: UPEI Panthers showcase resilience in thrilling comebacks and tough battles

News and notes from the week that was (Jan. 20-26).

WEEKEND ROUNDUP: UPEI Panthers showcase resilience in thrilling comebacks and tough battles
January 29, 2025

By Thomas Becker

Last weekend was a mixed bag for the UPEI Panthers, featuring standout performances and tough losses.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Jan. 24 @ ACA / won 76-58

Jan. 25 @ ACA / loss 79-80

The women's basketball team split their weekend series against the Acadia Axewomen. On Friday, they erased a 13-point deficit with a dominant second half, outscoring Acadia 41-20 to secure a 76-58 win. Grace Lancaster had her best game of the season, dropping a season-high 21 points. She's currently averaging a career-high 12.5 points per game in the 2024-25 season.

Saturday night nearly saw another thrilling comeback. After trailing by as much as 21 points in the third quarter, the Panthers clawed their way back, exchanging leads multiple times before falling just short in an 80-79 loss.

Veteran guard Lauren Rainford led the charge over the weekend, averaging a team-high 25.0 points, along with 4.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists across both games.

While fourth-year guard Devon Lawlor reached a career-high 21 points in Saturday's contest.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Jan. 24 @ ACA / won 68-60

Jan. 25 @ ACA / loss 70-80

The men's basketball team had their own dramatic comeback Friday night. After managing just 34 points through three quarters, they staged an incredible fourth-quarter rally, outscoring Acadia 34-9 to pull off a 68-60 victory.

However, Saturday's game told a different story. Facing another early deficit, the Panthers couldn't recover this time, falling 80-70 despite Acadia missing their leading scorer. Third-year guard Kyree Thompson continued to shine in the starting lineup, averaging 18.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks over the two games, including scoring a career-hight 25 points in Saturday's game.

WOMEN'S HOCKEY

Jan. 25 vs. UNB / loss 2-3 (OT) — RECAP

Jan. 26 vs. SMU / loss 2-5 — RECAP

The women's hockey team experienced both highs and lows. On Saturday night, they pushed the No. 5-ranked UNB Reds to overtime, earning a crucial point in a 3-2 shootout loss. Jessica Mercer scored her first Atlantic University Sport goal, while Chloe McCabe tallied her fourth goal in five games.

Sunday's matchup was pivotal, as the Panthers faced the Saint Mary's Huskies—the team directly behind them in the standings, fighting for the final playoff spot. It was a tightly contested battle until the 3:28 mark of the third period when the Huskies netted the go-ahead goal. They went on to win 5-2, overtaking UPEI by a single point in the standings. Defender Orianna MacNeil has been quietly putting together an impressive run, notching three goals and three assists in six games since the start of the new year.

MEN'S HOCKEY

Jan. 24 vs. SMU / loss 4-6 — RECAP

Jan. 25 @ ACA / loss 0-4

The men's hockey team struggled to pick up points in the standings, suffering losses to the Huskies and the Acadia Axemen. Friday's game against the Huskies could be a preview of a potential first-round playoff matchup, as both teams entered the third period tied 3-3 before UPEI ultimately fell 6-4. Kaleb Pearson made an immediate impact upon returning from the FISU Games, scoring twice against the Huskies. Unfortunately, the Panthers couldn't carry that momentum into their next game, as they were shut out 4-0 by Acadia.