Basketball Fever Ignites: The 2023-2024 ACAC Women's Basketball Season is Coming
EDMONTON, AB - As the teams gear up for the upcoming season, a palpable sense of excitement fills the air, knowing that each game will be a testament to skill, strategy, and teamwork. From fierce rivalries that ignite passion to awe-inspiring underdog stories, the ACAC Women's Basketball season is poised to captivate fans with unforgettable moments and dazzling displays of athletic prowess. With the match-ups now established, the countdown commences for the tip-offs. Circle the date on your calendar: Friday, October 13th, as the opening matches mark the beginning of an exhilarating season.
ACAC CHAMPIONSHIP:
Get ready for an exhilarating showdown as the ACAC Women's Basketball Championship takes on a new level of excitement with its merit-based format. This year, the South Division's top-seeded team at the end of the regular season will earn the prestigious honor of hosting the championship. With the best of the best vying for the title, including seven additional ACAC teams - three from the South division and four from the North - every game becomes one you won't want to miss.
2022 RECAP:
In a display of dominance, the Red Deer Queens claimed the 2023 ACAC Conference Banner after a remarkable 31-year wait, sealing their victory with an impressive 69-44 triumph over the Augustana Vikings. Although the Vikings earned a spot in the CCAA Nationals, their journey came to a close in the bronze semi-final against the Dawson Blues. The Queens placed fourth at nationals.
At the ACAC Championship held in Lethbridge, the underdogs of the tournament, the Briercrest Clippers, defied the odds and emerged victorious in a nail-biting bronze medal match against the formidable St. Mary's Lightning. With a final score of 66-64, the Clippers showcased resilience, overcoming 11-point deficits in the second, third, and fourth quarters to secure their place on the podium.
Individual achievements were also recognized, with Head Coach Avery Harrison of the Red Deer Queens receiving the esteemed Exemplary Leadership Award. Sophie Melin of the Red Deer Queens and Lauren Cardinal of the Augustana Vikings were named to the Championship All-Stars Second Team, alongside Adria Stitt of the St. Mary's Lightning, Kaelyn Bryks of the Concordia Thunder, and Alana Olson of the Lakeland Rustlers, who were all honored as CCAA All-Canadians.
2022 ACAC AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Women’s Coaches of the Year:
Robbie Valpreda - Concordia Thunder & Anthony Skepple - Briercrest Clippers
Women’s Rookies of the Year:
Kourtney Oss - Concordia Thunder & Carmen Wong - SAIT Trojans
Women’s Players of the Year:
Kaelyn Bryks - Concordia Thunder & Andria Stitt- St. Mary’s Lightning
CCAA CHAMPIONSHIP:
Lakeland College celebrates the 20th anniversary of their first women's basketball team in 2024 as they host the CCAA Women's Basketball Championships on their Lloydminster campus from March 13-16. This will be their first time hosting a national championship since 2013 when their women's volleyball team earned a silver medal. The Rustlers' women's basketball team has had a strong record and national rankings, making them a source of pride for Lakeland. With eight teams competing, including wildcard entries, the tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of talent.
LOOKING AHEAD:
With the highly-anticipated 2023-2024 ACAC Women's Basketball season on the horizon, fans are in for a thrilling spectacle of intense competition and extraordinary performances. Building upon the memorable events of last year, this upcoming season will serve as a platform to showcase the pinnacle of collegiate basketball. The championship, characterized by a merit-based format, will infuse each game with heightened tension and exhilaration as teams vie for the ultimate triumph. Brace yourself for an electrifying journey as the ACAC Women's Basketball teams unleash their passion and skill on the court, creating lasting memories for fans and players alike.
ACAC SCHEDULES: WBB Schedule
CCAA HOST DETAILS: Lakeland College Rustlers Host 2024 CCAA WBB National Championships
#ACACWBB24 | #CCAAWBB2024
About the ACAC: The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.
For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Mark Kosak, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
Markk@acac.ab.ca
Kayla Blacquiere, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Kaylab@acac.ab.ca