Cobleskill, NY – The SUNY Cobleskill women's basketball team is taking its preseason preparations international as the Fighting Tigers head to Montreal, Quebec, for a three-game foreign tour at the SLAM 2026 Quebec Fall Classic from October 10-12.

Cobleskill will play three games over three days at Collège Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes in Longueuil, Quebec, and Champlain College Saint-Lambert in Saint-Lambert, Quebec.

The Tigers open the trip on Saturday, October 10, against Vanier College at 12:00 p.m. at Collège Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes. They return to action on Sunday against Algonquin College at 2:00 p.m. at Champlain College Saint-Lambert before closing out their preseason tour on Monday, October 12, against host Saint-Lambert at 12:00 p.m.

For Head Coach Megan Bowman, the opportunity has brought a different level of energy to the Tigers' preseason preparations while also giving the team an early chance to come together on and off the court. With a new-look roster preparing for the challenges of the upcoming season, Bowman believes the trip can serve as an important step in bringing the group together before the regular season begins.

"The trip to Quebec has brought a different level of excitement and energy to our preseason," Bowman said. "With so many new faces and proven talent, every practice has carried a sense of urgency knowing game day is right around the corner. This trip is an important opportunity to bring all the pieces together before our season really begins on November 7."

Beyond the opportunity to compete, Bowman sees the trip as an important early opportunity for the Tigers to establish their identity, continue building chemistry and gain a better understanding of how the group fits together.

"This trip will be both a starting point for where we are and a roadmap for where we can go," Bowman said. "With an almost entirely new roster, this experience will help us develop our culture and how we play together. The faces may change, but the standard in our program will not."

The three-game trip will also provide a different approach to preseason competition. Without the familiarity of regular-season opponents and detailed scouting reports, Bowman believes the change of pace will allow the Tigers to put more of the focus on themselves and the style of basketball they want to establish.

"We want to approach these games almost like AAU, taking away the scouting report and focusing on who we are, how we play and how we compete," Bowman said. "Personally, I know I get lost in film on what other teams do, and this trip will be a really enjoyable paradigm shift for my approach, solely focusing on our product and who we are."

All-Conference returner and team captain Jaiyla Colon (Worcester, MA) is eager for the opportunity to see the Tigers compete together for the first time.

"Everyone has been ecstatic and itching to just play games with this group," Colon said. "We want to get on the court together and play against someone who isn't wearing a Coby jersey. Personally, I'm really excited to see where we are and take the lessons we learn from this trip back with us as we get ready to take on the SUNYAC. Off the court, no matter where we are, any opportunity to be together with my girls is something I'm excited about."

Newcomer Hannah Vanderzee (Ravena, NY) brings plenty of championship experience to the Fighting Tigers after winning two SUNYAC titles during her time at New Paltz. For Vanderzee, the trip provides an early opportunity to build chemistry with her new teammates.

"Being new to the team, this opportunity means so much because I get to gel with my teammates in a way I've never had the opportunity to do before in October," Vanderzee said. "I'm returning to the SUNYAC with a new team, and I know this trip can be a catalyst for the success our roster is built for. I can't wait to set that foundation next week."

The Tigers open their 2026-27 season on November 7 against Christopher Newport University in the opening game of the Susquehanna Tip-Off Tournament, hosted by Susquehanna University.

Complete Schedule
Saturday, October 10
Vanier College vs. Cobleskill — 12:00 p.m.
Collège Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes

Sunday, October 11
Cobleskill vs. Algonquin College — 2:00 p.m.
Champlain College Saint-Lambert

Monday, October 12
Cobleskill vs. Saint-Lambert — 12:00 p.m.
Champlain College Saint-Lambert

Tournament Locations
Champlain College Saint-Lambert
900 Rue Riverside
Saint-Lambert, QC J4P 3P2

Collège Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes
845 Ch. Tiffin
Longueuil, QC J4P 3G5