New look, same hunger: Panthers ready to run toward AUS championship

By Thomas Becker

The Lauren Rainford era may be over, but the fire she helped ignite still burns bright at UPEI. After falling one win short of an AUS championship last season, the Panthers are back with a new look, a new pace, and the same championship hunger.

Replacing the program's all-time leading scorer is no easy task. For most of her tenure, Rainford was the heartbeat of the offence and one of the most feared players in the country. But her graduation has opened the door for a deeper, faster, and more unpredictable team to take shape, one that plans to overwhelm opponents with a collective effort. 

"Losing a perennial top AUS scorer like Lauren certainly does change things," said head coach Matt Gamblin. "So far, it looks like we're going to play a fast-paced style of basketball. We want to push the tempo, attack in transition, and move the ball freely to find the open player."

A new identity built on speed and defence

Gamblin's group enters the 2025-26 campaign with a renewed focus on team-oriented offence and defensive intensity, core pillars that have long defined UPEI's success. The Panthers will once again lean on their defensive identity to drive their attack, forcing turnovers and creating easy transition opportunities. 

At the forefront of that push are two senior leaders—Devon Lawlor and Grace Lancaster—who know what it takes to compete at the highest level.

"Devon and Grace's AUS experience is invaluable," Gamblin said. "They've been through battles, played in championship games, and know what it takes to reach the top of the mountain. This year, we're hoping to plant our flag there."

Veterans setting the standard

For Lawlor, the team's all-star sharpshooter, the message this preseason has been simple: stay connected, stay accountable, and trust the system.

"We're feeling good," Lawlor said. "We have a good combination of experience and new talent. We've had a competitive preseason, and it's helped us identify the areas in which we need to improve to be successful." 

She and Lancaster have stepped into the leadership void left behind by Rainford, embracing the responsibility of guiding a younger roster.

"We're focusing on our core team values and standards that we've worked hard to develop as a group," Lawlor said. "We're trying to lead by example and be vocal when we need to be."

That balance of veteran poise and youthful energy may be the Panthers' greatest weapon.

Rookie class bringing fresh energy

The incoming rookie class is already turning heads. Forward Regan Cornford brings athleticism and grit to the paint, while hybrid guard-forward Ingrid Khuong does a bit of everything—defending multiple positions, moving the ball, and crashing the glass. Guard Ella Simmons, meanwhile, has the potential to become a dangerous perimeter scorer as she grows into her role.

"Our rookie group is extremely athletic, they play very hard, and most of all, they're extremely coachable," Gamblin said. 

They'll join a solid supporting cast that includes point guard Naki Alonzo, who hopes to take a big step in her second season, Lily Vrugteman, whose defensive versatility allows UPEI to match up with anyone, and fourth-year contributors Samantha Zoffranieri, Karla Benitez, and Sydney Lawlor, each capable of providing offensive depth and energy off the bench.

The blueprint for success

For the Panthers, the blueprint for success remains clear: defend relentlessly, move the ball, and trust the depth of their lineup. 

"We have a very deep and talented team," said Lawlor. "We're at our best when everyone contributes in their own way." 

Last season proved UPEI has the pieces to compete with the best. Now, with a renewed identity and a hunger to finish what they started, the Panthers are determined to climb one step higher.

"The desire to win is the biggest thing we want to instill," Gamblin said. "The goal is always to win, but the work leading up to it is what will give us the chance to get over the line."

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