The women’s basketball Broncos travelled to Fort McMurray for the ACAC Women’s Basketball Championship with two clear objectives in mind: Capture the school’s first ACAC banner since 2014-15, and claim a spot in the CCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship in Quebec City.
In both cases, mission accomplished.
The Broncos, seeded second in the ACAC South, stepped up their defensive game throughout the week in Fort McMurray, proving themselves to be a complete team that can compete with anybody. In their tournament opener, the Broncos defeated a game NAIT Ooks squad 55-46 to set up a semifinal rematch with the Lakeland College Rustlers, who ended Olds College’s ACAC aspirations in the quarterfinals a season ago. In another tight defensive battle, the Broncos prevailed 60-51 to advance to the gold medal game, where the host Keyano College Huskies awaited.
In front of an energized crowd in Fort McMurray, the Broncos found themselves down 50-49 with 1:18 remaining. However, a crucial three-point play from Brittney Thibeaux put Olds College up to stay, eventually wrapping up a 54-51 victory to capture the ACAC championship in a hard-fought contest on both games.
Thibeaux racked up a number of accolades throughout the week; prior to the start of competition, Thibeaux was named the ACAC Player of the Year and a CCAA All-Canadian, then followed it up with player of the game awards on Thursday and Saturday, topping it off by being named the tournament’s most valuable player.
Kyla Adams joined Thibeaux on the ACAC South First All-Conference Team, then followed it up by being named to the First All-Tournament Team. Kristina Bajovic also enjoyed a strong week, and was also rewarded with a place on the First All-Tournament Team.
Finally, Avery Harrison joined some elite company by winning his fifth ACAC Coach of the Year award, his first with the Broncos.
The Broncos will now go to Quebec City next week to compete at the 2019 CCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship, hosted by Cegep Sainte-Foy.
