SEASON PREVIEW: Women’s basketball back in action following U SPORTS bronze medal season
The University of Ottawa women's basketball team is set to start the regular season with a road trip to Guelph on October 24. The team is coming off an impressive bronze medal performance at the 2024-25 U SPORTS national championship tournament.
Going 5-1 in preseason action, the Gee-Gees have had the opportunity to recalibrate after saying goodbye to two key players.
Ottawa is entering the season without their decorated point guard, Natsuki Szczokin, who closed out her Gee-Gees career as an OUA First Team All-Star, U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian and as the program's record holder in steals, second in assists, and third in points.
Another piece that will be missed in the Ottawa lineup is Emily Payne. A pillar for the Gee-Gees, Payne averaged 10.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in her final season. Her presence in the paint was key for Ottawa.
Attention will turn to Allie McCarthy, who had a breakout season in the Garnet and Grey in 2024-25. She earned OUA Third Team All-Star honours after averaging 11.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 rebounds per game. McCarthy has been a versatile weapon for the Gee-Gees and is sure to continue to do so.
Bailey Russell will be a threat with her ability to score from range while Ivany Rhealt-Langue will frequent point guard duties. Victoria Brideau and Renee Paquette will be staples in the paint.
Ottawa is on the road to take on Guelph and Laurentian to start the OUA regular season. The team will return to Ottawa to open up Montpetit Hall on October 31st when they host the Laurentian Voyageurs, and the following evening as they welcome Nipissing.
The Gee-Gees will meet the Ravens for the 2025-26 edition of the Capital Hoops Classic on February 6 at TD Place.
All Gee-Gees games are available for streaming on OUA.tv, and tickets for all home games can be purchased at tickets.geegees.ca