Lori Kavanagh began her collegiate career in 1987-88 with the Cambrian Golden Shield women's volleyball team. In her second year, Kavanagh led the Golden Shield to their first-ever provincial medal (bronze). For her performance that year, she was awarded tournament MVP, quite an accomplishment considering the team placed third.

Kavanagh was an OCAA league all-star in each of her four seasons and was named to the championship all-star team in three of her four seasons. She earned three consecutive bronze medals with the Golden Shield (1988-89 to 1990-91).

Kavanagh was an outstanding volleyball talent who dominated the OCAA during her years of participation. Cambrian, to this day, attributes Kavanagh for jumpstarting their success as an OCAA volleyball powerhouse.