HAMILTON, Ont. — The McMaster Marauders women's basketball team enters the 2026-27 OUA season with renewed confidence, looking to build on last year's postseason appearance and continue its development under second-year head coach
Isabel Ormond.
After overcoming a difficult start to the 2025-26 campaign, McMaster found its rhythm in the second half of the season, winning seven of its final nine regular-season contests, including five consecutive victories to close the schedule. The late surge secured a return to the OUA playoffs, where the Marauders fell 76-63 to Brock in the opening round.
With several key contributors returning, the addition of former U SPORTS Rookie of the Year
Keira Daly, and an undefeated preseason behind them, the Marauders are looking to establish greater consistency and position themselves among the conference's top programs.
2025-26 Season at a Glance
| Category |
Result |
| Regular Season Record |
9-13 |
| Home Record |
4-7 |
| Away Record |
5-6 |
| Postseason |
OUA First Round |
| Playoff Result |
L, 76-63 at Brock |
2025-26 Regular Season Statistics
| Category |
McMaster |
| Points Per Game |
69.4 |
| Points Allowed Per Game |
70.6 |
| Field Goal Percentage |
38.60% |
| Three-Point Percentage |
28.70% |
| Free-Throw Percentage |
67.10% |
| Rebounds Per Game |
40.9 |
| Assists Per Game |
11.5 |
| Turnovers Per Game |
20.5 |
2025-26 Returning Statistical Leaders
New Additions
Key Departures
Three Key Performers
Keira Daly | Guard
Keira Daly (Hamilton, Ont.) returns to McMaster ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, bringing an impressive collegiate résumé and valuable experience to the Marauders' backcourt.
The former UBC Thunderbird earned both Canada West and U SPORTS Rookie of the Year honours during the 2024-25 season, establishing herself as one of the country's top young players.
Daly appeared in 30 games during her rookie campaign, making eight starts while averaging 14.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest. She finished the season with 433 points, 75 steals and 45 three-pointers while shooting 40.4 per cent from the field.
After missing the 2025-26 season, Daly returns to her hometown looking to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor. Her ability to create scoring opportunities, apply defensive pressure and contribute in transition provides McMaster with another dynamic option in its backcourt.
Beyond her on-court abilities, the Cathedral High School graduate brings leadership and a strong connection to the Hamilton basketball community, with her cousin
Lauren Daly also joining the Marauders this season.
"She is just a leader," said Ormond. "She's always composed and ready and giving it her all and makes things happen."
With an award-winning rookie campaign already behind her, Daly is expected to play a significant role as McMaster looks to build on last season's postseason appearance.
Emily Frankovic | Forward
Emily Frankovic returns for her fourth season with the Marauders after establishing herself as one of McMaster's most consistent contributors throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
The veteran guard started all 22 regular-season contests last year, averaging 12.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Frankovic finished the season with 271 points, 126 rebounds, 47 assists and a team-high 40 steals.
Her offensive versatility has made her an important part of McMaster's attack, with the ability to finish around the basket, create opportunities from mid-range and stretch the floor from beyond the arc.
Frankovic has also continued to develop defensively, taking on greater responsibility on the rebounding glass while providing experience and stability to the Marauders' backcourt.
Ormond identified Frankovic as one of the players expected to make a significant impact this season, highlighting her scoring ability and continued development on both ends of the floor.
With another year of experience and an expanded supporting cast around her, Frankovic will be counted on to provide leadership and consistent production as McMaster looks to compete against the OUA's top programs.
Tayler Scott | Forward
Tayler Scott returns to the Marauders following an outstanding rookie campaign that saw her emerge as one of the OUA's most productive young forwards.
The second-year standout earned OUA and U SPORTS All-Rookie Team honours after leading McMaster with 14.3 points and 10.0 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 regular season.
Scott appeared in 21 contests while recording 300 points, 209 rebounds and a team-high 33 blocks. She shot 48.3 per cent from the field and established herself as a consistent presence around the basket.
After setting multiple McMaster rookie records last season, Scott enters her sophomore campaign with increased expectations and greater attention from opposing defences.
Much of her offseason development has focused on improving her footwork, finishing through contact and making decisions when facing double teams.
"Teams are going to be sending doubles, so we try to do a lot of work around that balance so she can finish with two people, so she has a kick-out," said Ormond.
With another year of experience and an improved understanding of the game, Scott will look to build on her impressive debut season while continuing to develop into one of the conference's top frontcourt players.
2026-27 Season Preview
The McMaster Marauders enter the 2026-27 season looking to build on a strong finish to last year's campaign, which saw the program win five consecutive regular-season games and return to the OUA playoffs under head coach
Isabel Ormond.
With several key contributors returning, Ormond believes the Marauders are positioned to take another step forward.
Tayler Scott,
Emily Frankovic,
Sophia Urosevic and
Carly McBain will be counted on to lead the way, while the return of former U SPORTS Rookie of the Year
Keira Daly adds another dynamic presence to the lineup.
Offensively, the Marauders will look to build on their 69.4 points per game from last season, with an emphasis on improved execution, ball movement and creating opportunities through their experienced backcourt and developing frontcourt. Scott, who averaged 14.3 points and 10.0 rebounds as a rookie, will remain a focal point of the offence.
Defensively, McMaster will look to maintain its aggressive approach after averaging 10.0 steals and 4.0 blocks per game last season. With newcomers
Nikolina Rupcich and
Natalie Keys bringing energy and ball pressure, the Marauders will aim to establish greater consistency throughout all four quarters.
The Marauders completed a perfect 7-0 exhibition schedule, earning victories over UPEI, Saint Mary's, Regina, Saskatchewan, St. Francis Xavier, McGill and Bishop's. Those results provided valuable preparation ahead of the OUA regular season and an opportunity to develop chemistry across the lineup.
McMaster will open its regular season on Friday, October 23, welcoming Nipissing to Burridge Gymnasium for a 6 p.m. tip-off. A home-heavy opening stretch will provide an opportunity to establish early momentum before a demanding November schedule featuring road trips to Lakehead, Ottawa and Carleton.
With an emphasis on accountability, defensive intensity and continued player development, McMaster enters the new campaign determined to build on last season's playoff appearance. For Ormond, the program's ambitions extend beyond simply qualifying for the postseason.
"Really just trying to earn our right to compete against the top teams," said Ormond.
With an experienced returning core, promising newcomers and renewed confidence following an undefeated preseason, the Marauders will look to establish themselves among the OUA's contenders throughout the 2026-27 campaign.
