UPEI Women’s Basketball heads to AUS playoffs

Twenty years after winning their last championship, UPEI’s women’s basketball team is hoping to repeat history this weekend.

The Panthers had their most successful regular season in more than two decades, finishing with an impressive 17-3 record. For the first time in 30 years, they had a perfect 10-0 home record, while capturing a bye in the opening round of the playoffs.

UPEI’s impressive season was headlined by their smothering defence. Leading the way was third-year centre Carolina Del Santo, who earned her second straight AUS Defensive Player of the Year award, as she led the country in rebounds (265) and blocks (48). She was also named an AUS first-team all-star for the first time. Teammate and floor general Jenna Mae Ellsworth was also recognized for her stellar season, capturing her third consecutive AUS second-team all-star nod. She led the team in scoring with 16.7 points per game.

The team is two wins away from a championship. If they can continue to play with the same defensive intensity and get big performances from key players, there’s a real chance that a title will make its way back to Prince Edward Island.

For students, there are 30 floor tickets ($10) remaining. Please contact Leigh Read at lread@upei.ca or (902) 394-0927.

All other tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketatlantic.com.

Go Panthers Go!

Submitted by Thomas Becker