HAMILTON, Ont. —The McMaster Marauders women's basketball team begins their regular on Friday, facing the TMU Bold at their home opener at 6pm.

The Marauders are looking to rely on multiple veteran players to lead the charge this season. With past players like, 2024-2025 OUA All-Star Amy Stinson, graduating last year, the Marauders will look to those returning to fill the gap. Head Coach Isabel Ormond is confident that returning players like Emily Frankovic and Sophia Urosevic will step up for the Marauder offense this season. "We'll rely on Emily and Sophia, who played a big role around the four seniors that graduated last year", said Ormond.

Key Players
 
Emily Frankovic (Thornhill, Ont.), Wing

Emily Frankovic had a standout 2024–25 OUA season for the McMaster Marauders, establishing herself as one of the team's most consistent and high-impact players. The 5'11" wing appeared in 22 games, starting every contest last season. Frankovic finished the season with 343 points (15.6 per game), and shot an efficient 45.7% from the field. She also contributed from deep, making 21 three-pointers on 72 attempts, and was reliable at the line with a 77.1% free-throw percentage. On the boards, she collected 98 total rebounds (4.5 per game), adding 23 offensive and 75 defensive boards, while contributing 51 assists and 27 steals, demonstrating her all-around game. Frankovic's combination of scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defensive contributions made her a central piece of McMaster's offense and a reliable performer in every game.

Sophia Urosevic (Kitchener, Ont.), Guard

Sophia Urosevic played a valuable role for the McMaster Marauders during the 2024–25 OUA season, appearing in 19 games. The versatile guard contributed 185 points (9.7 per game), and showcased her shooting ability with 41.5% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range. Urosevic also contributed across the stat sheet, adding 35 total rebounds, 16 steals, and 10 assists, while maintaining an active defensive presence. Throughout the season, Sophia demonstrated consistent scoring, floor spacing, and defensive effort, establishing herself as a reliable contributor and an important piece of McMaster's rotation.

Fifth year Jordan Denkers (Hamilton, Ont.) is also a McMaster veteran that will look to lead the Marauder offense as well as fourth year Jocelyn Newby (Guelph, Ont.) who will return to play after dealing with an injury last season. Assistant Coach, Danielle Carriere noted the importance of having an abundance of veteran leadership on the team. "Having that leadership on the floor is going to be exciting," said Carriere.

Excitement is definitely in the air for Coach Ormond's first season as a Marauder. After all the off season preparation Ormond said she is "so excited to get going and open at home".

As for the first match up of the season, Ormond knows their work is cut out for them. "It'll be a tough match up against what I'm predicting to be a top ten team this year in TMU."

And to help the Marauders bring the energy come game day, Ormond is encouraging all fans to pack the stands on Friday evening. "Get out there Friday night and and help us with some momentum," said Ormond.

Purchase you single-match and season tickets here.

View McMaster's women's basketball full 2025-26 schedule here.