Canada West Communications
EDMONTON – The MacEwan Griffins women's basketball team will have to earn their respect this season after being voted to finish last in the annual preseason Canada West coaches poll, released Wednesday.
The Griffins will host the Mount Royal University Cougars on their home-opening weekend Friday (5 p.m.) and Saturday (1 p.m., both David Atkinson Gym, Canada West TV).
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NOTE: Saturday's game is FREE as part of MacEwan's Open House celebrations
The Saskatchewan Huskies, who looked unstoppable in reclaiming the Canada West title last season after posting a 19-1 regular season record and a flawless run through the conference championships were voted No. 1 with 15 first-place votes.
As hosts of the U SPORTS Final Eight next March, the second ranked UBC Thunderbirds will be a threat to interrupt the Huskies' reign as top dog, getting one first-place vote.
The Alberta Pandas placed third in the poll after reaching the conference title game last season, also receiving one first-place vote.
MRU, MacEwan's opponent this weekend, placed eighth in voting.
The 2024-25 regular season runs through Feb. 15, with playoffs starting on Feb. 21.
Fans can catch all the action on CanadaWest.TV, which now allows fans to watch games on popular Connected TV apps like Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Roku. Regular season sport passes are available for $39.99.
For the complete Canada West women's basketball schedule, click here.
To view CW women's basketball history and records, click here.
Saskatchewan reclaimed the CW title last season. Photo courtesy University of Saskatchewan.
2024-25 CW WBB PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL
Team - Points (First-place votes)
- Saskatchewan Huskies - 255 (15)
- UBC Thunderbirds - 222 (1)
- Alberta Pandas - 218 (1)
- Calgary Dinos - 214
- Fraser Valley Cascades - 207
- Regina Cougars - 193
- Victoria Vikes - 160
- Mount Royal Cougars - 137
- UBC Okanagan Heat - 133
- Trinity Western Spartans - 115
- Lethbridge Pronghorns - 111
- Winnipeg Wesmen - 96
- Manitoba Bisons - 80
- UNBC Timberwolves - 77
- Thompson Rivers WolfPack - 33
- Brandon Bobcats - 32
- MacEwan Griffins – 29
MACEWAN GRIFFINS PREVIEW
Key Performer: Toni Gordon
Guard
3rd Year
Hometown: Edmonton
It seems like yesterday when Gordon burst onto the scene in 2022-23 with one of the better first-year seasons by a Griffin in Canada West, setting new program rookie records for minutes/game, rebounds and rebounds/game.
Now entering her third year, she's suddenly a veteran presence on a young Griffins team featuring nine players in Years 1 or 2 of eligibility. Gordon will be counted on to harken back to that terrific rookie campaign, build upon it and lead the way for the squad's young talent if the Griffins are to make a push for a playoff spot.