With two dominating teams in Red River and University of Winnipeg College coming into the women’s Basketball Final 4’s, there wasn’t expected to be any room on the podium for Cinderella.
The slipper fit for the Providence Lady Freemen though, and they pulled off what many thought would be impossible.
In the first semifinals game of the weekend, the #4-seeded Providence Lady Freemen, who were coming in with a 3-11 record, pulled off the upset of the season, beating the 13-1 and #1-seed University of Winnipeg College Wesmen 56-51 to advance to the Women’s Championship.
It is the first time in MCAC playoff history that a #4 seed has beaten a #1 seed in any sport.
The Lady Freemen played a fine defensive game against the explosive College Wesmen, and although outsized by the Wesmen forwards, Providence out-rebounded University of Winnipeg through most of the night.
Leading the charge for the Lady Freemen was sharpshooter Kristina Larson with 14 points. Forward Brynn Swann had 12, along with a very active afternoon on the boards. University of Winnipeg College guard Sonia Radi led all scorers with 20 points.
The other semifinal saw #2-seeded Red River College with business as usual, and then some. They came out at a blistering pace, building a lead on #3-seeded CMU early and continuing the charge all the way through. They won 74-43, and will play Providence in the women’s championship in front of their home crowd.
The #2 Red River College Rebels will take on #4 Providence University College in the Women’s Championship Saturday at 6 p.m.
The #1 University of Winnipeg College Wesmen will play #3 CMU in the bronze match Saturday at 2 p.m.
