The 2025-26 season was filled with memorable moments for the Mount Royal Cougars women's basketball team. From a season long six-game winning streak, a return to the Canada West playoffs, and everything in between, the season showcased the growth and determination of a group that continued to improve as the year progressed. Along the way, there were standout performances and countless memories shared between teammates, coaches, and fans. Through the lens of some of the season's best photographs, take a look back at the moments that defined the Cougars' journey from opening night to the final buzzer.

1. Oct 24 - “Brand New Year.”  To open up the 2025-26 campaign the Cougars hit the road to take on the University of Alberta for a 2-game set.

2. Oct 31 - “On the Same Page.”  Head Coach Robyn Fleckenstein rallies her team ahead of tipoff for the 2025-26 home opener against the Saskatchewan Huskies.

3. Oct 31 - “Picking Each Other Up.”  The Cougars opened their season on Kenyon Court with a setback against the Huskies, but the loss did little to diminish the home-court advantage they would establish throughout the year. MRU turned Kenyon Court into a difficult place for opponents to play, finishing the season with an impressive 7-3 record on home floor.

4. Nov 8 - “WIN-nipeg.” After a challenging start to the season, the Cougars began to find their stride, earning a pair of victories over the Wesmen. This photo captures Asha Donnelly attacking the basket and getting past her defender for two of her 17 points on the weekend. As MRU's offence started to click, the wins soon followed, marking an important turning point early in the season.

5. Nov 14 - “Keep it Rolling.”  The Cougars pregame huddle is pictured ahead of their contest with the GMU Griffins. The Cougars were able sweep the season series with GMU while picking up their first win on home court. 

6. Nov 15 - “Surveying the Scene.”  A full-court view of the Cougars’ offence as MRU sets up an inbound play during a tightly contested battle with the GMU Griffins. In a game that came down to the final possessions, the Cougars executed when it mattered most, finding tough baskets down the stretch to secure a hard-fought five-point victory.

7. Nov 21 - “Things are clicking.”  Temi Ajayi and Presley Hopf share a laugh following the Cougars’ dominant 87-60 victory over the Pronghorns. The win marked one of MRU’s strongest performances of the season, with the Cougars’ 87 points standing as their highest single-game total of the year.

8. Nov 22 - “Pacing the Pronghorns.”  Nora Luca, the Cougars’ leading scorer, is pictured driving past a Lethbridge defender during the second game of the weekend series. Luca was a consistent offensive force for MRU throughout the season, recording double-digit point totals in 14 games. The Cougars would go on to win the contest, extending their winning streak to a season-high six games.

9. Nov 22 - “Giving Back.”  Following their win over the Pronghorns, Cougar student-athletes took time to sign autographs and connect with young fans attending the Club Weekend festivities. Creating meaningful connections within the community and helping grow the game are values that continue to be at the heart of MRU Athletics.  (Scroll)

10. Nov 28 - “Building Momentum.”  Head Coach Robyn Fleckenstein addresses her team ahead of the final two-game set of the first half in Regina. After overcoming a slow start to the season, the Cougars entered the weekend riding a season-best six-game winning streak and carrying plenty of momentum into the break.

11. Nov 29 - “In the Race.”  Despite dropping their final two games before the holiday break, the Cougars had established themselves as a team capable of competing with anyone in Canada West. A season-high six-game winning streak showcased the group's potential and left MRU firmly in the playoff race with a 6-6 record at the halfway point of the season.

12. Jan 8 - “Freeze Frame.”  Presley Hopf poses for a photo in front of a sold-out Kenyon Court during MRU’s annual School Day Game. The event consistently brings great energy to the gym and provides an opportunity for the Cougars to connect with young fans while strengthening their ties to the surrounding community.

13. Jan 8 - “Packed House.”  A few shots of some of the kiddos that were able to be in attendance for this year's school day game.

14. Jan 8 - “School Day Statement.”  Backed by a sold-out crowd and eager to build momentum for the second half of the season, the Cougars delivered one of their strongest performances of the year in the School Day Game. MRU defeated the University of Manitoba by 26 points while posting 86 points, their second-highest team total of the season.

15. Jan 17 - “Playoff Push.”  The Cougars celebrate a 65-44 victory over UBC Okanagan, snapping a two-game skid and regaining momentum at a crucial point in the season. The win marked the beginning of a three-game winning streak that propelled MRU into the Canada West playoffs, proving to be one of the team's most important stretches of the year.

16. Jan 23 - “Shoot for the Cure.”  The Shoot for the Cure game is an opportunity for the Cougars to compete for something bigger than the final score. By raising awareness and supporting the fight against cancer, the event brings together student-athletes, fans, and the community around a cause that has touched countless lives. 

17. Jan 24 - “Lasting Legacy.”  Nora Luca is recognized during Senior Night, celebrating a career that leaves a lasting mark on the MRU record book. Finishing among the program's top three in multiple career statistical categories, Luca's impact extended far beyond the scoresheet, helping shape the success and culture of the Cougars throughout her time in blue and white.

18. Jan 24 - “Punching Their Ticket.”  With the playoffs on the line, the Cougars rose to the occasion when it mattered most. A 78-74 victory on Senior Night secured MRU's place in the Canada West postseason.

19. Jan 24 - “Together.”  The Cougars gather at center court following their final home game of the season, taking a moment to celebrate the group that represented MRU throughout the year.

20. Feb 13 - “The Story Continues.”  The Cougars’ season came to an end in the Canada West Play-In Game against UFV, closing the book on a year defined by growth, resilience, and progress. After battling their way to a 10-10 regular season record and earning a playoff berth, MRU proved it could compete with some of the top teams in Canada West.

While the result was not the ending the Cougars had hoped for, the season featured plenty of memorable moments, including a six-game winning streak, a return to the postseason, and continued growth from a group that battled from start to finish. The experience gained throughout the year will serve as another important chapter in the program's continued development.