MCAC Hoops Season Opens With Clash Of Winnipeg Rivals
Women's Basketball is charging into the heart of their schedule holding a combined preseason and NIAC record of 6-2 as they prepare for one of their most challenging encounters on Sunday afternoon with their cross-town rivals, the Red River Rebels.
A contest often referred to as the "Route 90 Showdown" it has been CMU who have held the upper hand during the regular season but the Rebels who seem to have the Blazers number when it comes to Championship time. Red River and head coach Jae Pangilanan have captured MCAC banners in Women's Basketball dating back to 2011.
CMU enter their 2017-18 MCAC Opener brimming with confidence after winning their first two games in NIAC against the AFLBS Conquerors by a combined score of 186-49. Though a young roster that boasts 8 rookies, fifth year head coach Joe Di Curzio has his team playing exciting basketball at a peak level. In Friday's 100-28 win over the Conquerors, CMU rookies made up 84 points of the Blazers total offense. Leading the way were Fort Richmond Collegiate's Shirliz Apiyo with 16 and Kildonan East's Aimee Garland (pictured) with 15 points.
Though the Rebels may not recognize most of the CMU team they tip off with on Sunday afternoon, the Blazers are all too familiar with their opponents. Tiara Cruz and Jodene Kowalchuk both spent a season at CMU before moving on to the Rebels and a veteran core led by Robelie Aaron make up the rest of the roster. Like the Blazers, Red River are coming off back to back wins to start their first season in NIAC; victories in Cass Lake over the Leech Lake Lakers.
The Blazers and Rebels tip off at 2:00 PM at the Loewen Athletic Centre with the Men's action to follow at 4:00 PM.
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