The Olds College varsity women's basketball team won the Alberta College Athletic Conference championship on the weekend, defeating the University of Alberta Augustana Vikings 83-65 in the championship game.
What made the feat more remarkable was that the Broncos were playing their first season in the ACAC against more established programs.
"I think we snuck in there and snuck out with the trophy. They didn't see us coming. This is all uncharted territory for this school and this athletic department,î said Reg Carrick, the team's coach.
The Broncos beat the hosts by matching the Vikings physically and getting the northern team to cough up 37 turnovers during the game.
"I think the story of the championship game was Augustana is the most physical team in the conference and we matched their physicality. Combine that with the fact that we turned them over 37 times in a championship game, and there's the story of the game,î he said.
The game plan against the Vikings, was to use their pressure against them.
"That's easily said, but you need a quick, little ball handler like Teanna Rowe to accomplish that,î he said.
The Broncos came into the championships ranked seventh, but beat the second-ranked King's University College Eagles 68-53 on Thursday.
"That was a very tough one to start with, because they're very big and they're very talented. We came up with a phenomenal effort and held them to 0 for 28 from (beyond) the three-point line,î he said.
The Broncos then dispatched the second-ranked NAIT Ooks 84-55 in their next contest, managing to keep the Ooks' athleticism in check. The Broncos outscored the Ooks 25-4 in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
"That's where we really ran away,î Carrick said.
Prior to the championship weekend, Jylisa Williams of the Broncos was named the ACAC player of the year, leading the league in almost every offensive category. While Carrick said he doesn't believe in giving out individual awards for a team game, Williams' league honour was well-deserved.
"She is literally an MVP because she makes everyone around her better, and she has raised all of these kids' intensity, their ability, their confidence and when I recruited (Williams) I said, ëcome here and leave a legacy Ö' who knew that we would win a championship in our first season in the league,î he said.
With the Alberta championship in hand, the Broncos are now off to the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association championships in Truro, N.S. from March 14 to 16. The Broncos will be one of eight teams chasing a national title.
"I think we snuck in there and snuck out with the trophy. They didn't see us coming."Reg CarrickOlds College women's varsity basketball team coach
