VICTORIA - The University of Victoria women's basketball team open their 2024-25 campaign with a home-and-away weekend beginning in Langley, Oct. 31 at 6:00 p.m. PST against Trinity Western University. The Vikes will be back in the CARSA Performance Gym Saturday, Nov. 2, at 5:00 p.m. PST against the University of the Fraser Valley.
After a slow start to conference play last year, the Vikes turned things around in the second half with a fairytale-like playoff run, landing them in the Canada West bronze medal match. Heading into post-season play, the Vikes were ranked 10th but upset the second-seeded University of British Columbia, 66-63, in the Canada West playoffs quarterfinal round.
Finishing with an overall record of 12-12, head coach
Carrie Watts and the Vikes are looking to build on last season's playoff run with a trip back to the conference championship in 2024.
Key returners
Fourth-year center
Abigail Becker, a towering 6'4" athlete from Parksville, returns as the Vikes dominant presence in the paint. Becker led the team in 2023-24 with 14 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, tallying an impressive 40 blocks on the season. Known for her defensive reach, Becker is the kind of player who can disrupt opponents on both ends of the floor. When locked in, she's a nightmare match-up that few can counter.
Mimi Sigue brings leadership and intangible qualities that are difficult to quantify but essential. "Mimi brings so many intangibles to the game, including leadership, an ability to guard anyone, and a hunger and intensity to compete," says Watts. Sigue's versatility and defensive grit set the tone for a team hungry to climb the Canada West ranks.
Second-year standouts
Karis de Paiva and
Makena Anderson, fresh off stellar rookie seasons, look poised to elevate the Vikes this year. Anderson, a St. Michael's University School product, started her U SPORTS career in explosive form, earning Canada West Rookie of the Year and a spot on the U SPORTS All-Rookie team. While she struggled with consistency as the season wore on, her potential makes her an invaluable asset if she can stay steady under pressure.
At 6'0," Calgary's
Karis de Paiva is a true Swiss Army knife, able to play nearly any position with fluidity and impact. "Karis can play any position we need her to, which has been huge for us in preseason. She's physical, versatile, and someone we've been able to call on," says Watts. After logging heavy minutes as freshmen, both de Paiva and Anderson have gained the experience they'll need to power a Vikes team with eyes on contention.
Off-season additions
Natalie Allison, a 5'8" guard from Calgary, joins the Vikes this season, bringing her playmaking and defensive prowess to the court. Teaming up with former Western Canada High teammate de Paiva, Allison is poised to slot in as a true point guard for the Vikes. With a young backcourt, she will be expected to take on an immediate leadership role, directing the pace and keeping a sometimes-frenetic squad focused and organized on the court.
Another rookie ready to make her mark is
Jenna Talib, a standout from West Vancouver's Mulgrave School and a former Team BC player. Injuries have called on Talib to play significant minutes in preseason, and she's answered the call. Talib's confidence and ability to handle pressure have been clear as she's adapted well to the demands of the U SPORTS game.
Coaches notes
"We definitely want to build on our finish from last year. We have some good experience in the front court with Abi and Mimi and a talented young rookie group who have already shown confidence in the preseason," said Watts.
GAME INFORMATION
Vikes vs Trinity Western University
Oct. 31 | 6:00p.m.
Langley Events Centre, Langley, B.C.
Vikes vs University of the Fraser Valley
Nov. 2 | 5:00p.m.
CARSA Performance Gym, Victoria, B.C.
Full schedule
