Lancer fans will see several teams open their 2017 campaigns this weekend, even as others draw to a close.

The University of Windsor will host the Ontario University Athletics championship meet in cross country for the first time in 20 years, this weekend at Malden Park. Saturday’s action begins with an alumni and friends race at 9:30 a.m. The women’s title race begins at 11 a.m. and the men’s at noon. Windsor’s men team is ranked ninth in the country going into the provincial meet.

It’s a whole new season of Lancer basketball, with both men’s and women’s squads hosting the Guelph Gryphons at the St. Denis Centre on Saturday. The men will tip off in an earlier time slot — 4 p.m. — with the women playing at 6 p.m. The October 28 contests are part of the province-wide “Quest for the Cup” promotion, with special activities and prizes before and during the games.

After two games on the road to start the season, women’s hockey will hit home ice for a pair of games at South Windsor Arena, hosting the Toronto Varsity Blues at 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 27, and the Brock Badgers, Saturday at 4 p.m.

Men’s soccer ended its playoff run with a 2-0 loss to Guelph on Wednesday. Read the full story, “Gryphons bump Lancers from post season.”

U Sports has ranked Windsor fourth nation-wide in men’s volleyball heading into the start of varsity play. Both men’s and women’s squads will open their regular seasons Friday against the Warriors in Waterloo, then head to Guelph to meet the Gryphons on Saturday.

Men’s hockey will also be on the road this weekend, for contests Friday against the Brock Badgers and Saturday in yet another against Guelph. OUA.tv will webcast both games.

Additional game details, ticket information, and more is available at goLancers.ca.