LANGLEY, B.C. – The UW-Parkside women's basketball team tips off the 2025-26 campaign this weekend north of the border, taking part in the CCA Division II Canadian Tip-Off Classic.
The Rangers will play three games in three days, beginning Friday, October 31st, against host Simon Fraser University (B.C.) at 7:45 p.m. CT, followed by a Saturday, November 1st, matchup with Saint Martin's University at 3:15 p.m. CT, and concluding Sunday, November 2nd, against Western Washington University at 1:45 p.m. CT.
The three-game showcase features top NCAA Division II programs competing in three games over three days, providing a competitive start to the college basketball season. The showcase offers an early-season test for a Parkside squad that returns a talented and experienced core from last year's 18-10 campaign, including a 13-7 mark in GLIAC play. The Rangers enter the new season ranked fourth in the GLIAC Preseason Poll and will look to build on the program's recent momentum under Head Coach Jen Conely.
Friday, Oct. 31
Parkside at Simon Fraser
7:45 p.m. CT | Langley Events Centre | Burnaby, B.C., Canada
Saturday, Nov. 1
Parkside vs Saint Martin's
3:15 p.m. CT | Langley Events Centre | Burnaby, B.C., Canada
Sunday, Nov. 2
Parkside vs Western Washington
1:45 p.m. CT | Langley Events Centre | Burnaby, B.C., Canada
Parkside's foundation begins with its three returning starters in Cassidy Arni, Peighton Nelson, and Lillie Petersen – each of whom started all 28 games last season.
Junior Cassidy Arni headlines the returning group after back-to-back impressive seasons. The 2023-24 GLIAC Freshman of the Year is coming off another stellar season, where she was named a 2025 First Team All-GLIAC selection. She led the Rangers in scoring with 14.1 points per game while shooting just under 50 percent from the field and a team-leading 41 steals.
In the backcourt, senior Peighton Nelson brings leadership, poise, and experience. She ranked second in the team in both minutes played and assists (87).
Junior Forward Lillie Petersen has been the model of consistency since arriving at Parkside, starting every game in her Rangers career. Last season, she averaged 8.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
Others returning include Jaelyn Derlein, Alli Hampel, Brooklyn Ficek, and Elyse Wendler, who add depth and experience throughout the rotation.
Parkside welcomes several newcomers who are ready to make an impact right away. Transfer guard Katie Hamill joins the Rangers after earning Third Team All-GLVC and All-Freshman Team honors at Division II Missouri-St. Louis. Parkside also brings in two Division I transfers in Kiyah Hurst (North Dakota) and Lexi Bugajski (Wright State), who strengthen the front court with size and athleticism. The Rangers also introduce a promising freshman class featuring Haley Wock, Emily Giese, Samantha Hafferkamp, Addison Stallings, and Sara Abdul, who are all expected to compete for early minutes.
Following the 2025 CCA Division II Canadian Tip-Off Classic, Parkside will return home to face Maryville University on November 14th, at 11:30 a.m. CT, at De Simone Arena, marking the team's home opener.
To keep up with the Rangers all weekend, be sure to visit parksiderangers.com/coverage.
