Final regular season standings: University of Winnipeg College (13-1); Red River (10-4); Canadian Mennonite (6-8); Providence College (3-11)
In the semis, the 4th-seeded Providence Lady Freemen stunned the top-seeded University of Winnipeg College Lady Wesmen 56-51. Freeman coach Patti Parker said “we knew they would be tough to defend inside, but also have some dangerous sharp shooters. Our strategy was to play man-to-man and really rely on our help defense. We aimed to enforce the intangibles, like ‘boxing out,’ so that we’d keep them from any second scoring chances.” Edmonton-native Brynn Swan ripped down 17 boards, while captain Mel Warkentine and Christine Parker each nabbed 8. Swan and Warkentine notched 14 and 11 points, respectively, while Gardner, North-Dakota native Kristi Larson had 12 points and 5 assists. Parker scored 8 and pilfered three balls while being chosen player of the game.
In the other semi, the 2nd-seeded Red River Rebels clipped the 3rd-seeded Canadian Mennonite Blazers 74-43.
In the bronze medal match, the top-seeded University of Winnipeg Wesmen stomped the 3rd-seeded Canadian Mennonite Blazers 93-47.
In the final, the host and 2nd-seeded Red River Rebels clipped the 4th-seeded Providence Lady Freeman 68-51. Tournament MVP Abby Silva dominated the floor as she scored 25, controlled the tempo and defended with intensity. Tremaine Francis added 18 points. Providence stayed within striking distance in the first half, thanks to another active rebounding game from Christine Parker and challenging three-pointers by Melanie Warkentin. In the second half, though, the Rebels used a half-court trap to frustrate the Lady Freemen and pad the steals numbers for Silva, as they turned defense to offense to the tune of a 20-point lead in the third quarter. Freeman coach Patti Parker said “our main focus was to eliminate Red River’s fast break points and to really pack the paint against their bigs.” Providence went down by 10 at the half but fought to stay there. They were only able to close the scoring margin to 8 in the second half with the help of Mel Warkentine’s clutch 3-pointers but the Rebels’ full court pressure and height proved the difference. Christine Parker paced Providence with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Rookie Breanne Mahara was chosen player of the game for the Freeman after collecting 11 points, 4 rebounds and 7 steals. Brynn Swan scored 10, while collecting 9 boards and 3 assists.
The bronze medalist University of Winnipeg Wesmen: Brittany Boudreau;
The silver medalist Providence Lady Freemen: Mel Warkentine; Christine Parker; Brynn Swann; Kristina Larson; Breanne Mahara; coach Patti Parker
The champion Red River Rebels: Abby Silva; Kristen Young; Tia Ruddock; Tara Kachur; Lesley Schiller; Elizabeth Symons; Rowee Bayanin; Sela Andu; Joleesa Roberts; Florence De Leon; Reanna Rodillo; Kaytlin Waddell; coach Jaenas Pangilinan; assistant Ashley Tolentino; assistant Brittany Adrian; assistant Danica Reimer; manager Erin Wells, manager Anna Velasco; therapist Karly Melnyk