Lakeland Rustlers Weekend Recap - November 26, 2024
One undefeated streak survived a test, while another ended and set a contending team on a bounce back mission.
Rustlers Basketball
Lakeland had another impactful weekend of ACAC action, despite volleyball having a bye week. Basketball held a critical homestand, with contending south division teams for both genders coming to town in the form of the SAIT Trojans and the Lethbridge Kodiaks. In the case of the women's team, SAIT was also undefeated and nationally ranked.
Despite the build up, Friday evening looked all too familiar, with Chris King's team going up 12-0 in the opening quarter. However, the athleticism and size from the Trojans caused numerous Lakeland turnovers, with the visitors taking the lead in the game multiple times. However, a few key baskets in the dying minutes helped the Rustlers escape with the win, 70-66. Sarah Dacuycuy was the Player of the Game, having a spectacular evening with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and consistently dogged defence on the perimeter. Susan Ayaa added a team high 16 points and 9 rebounds.
The following evening, the Rustlers buried the Kodiaks in the first quarter, cementing the 78-52 victory. Alana Olson had a game high 15 points and Caitlin Schillabeer was the POG with 9 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. The women's team have now won 34 straight games, with their last loss coming in February of 2023.
For the men, they faced two capable teams that were both dealing with injuries, particularly on the SAIT side. Friday evening, Lakleand took advantage, grabbing an early lead in the 1st quarter and riding it out to a 78-68 win. Allayasa Bray was the POG with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists, while Matthew Bryant lead the team with 21 points and 8 rebounds.
Saturday's opening was initially close, with the two teams tied at 19 after one. However, the Rustlers were better team the rest of the game, winning 97-78. Bray had a game high 23 points, while Baha Salma was the POG with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. The men's team remains one game back of first place in the North Division, with a record of 6-2.
Rustlers Soccer
Lakeland's soccer teams recognized the three All-Conference players, Gracey Smithson, Gavin Quinlan and Josh Malin.
Rustlers Hockey
Women's hockey had a home and away series with the defending champion NAIT Ooks, one that will help determine first place in the league standings by year's end. They were without two-time scoring champ Hailey Carothers, who had to sit out the weekend with a suspension.
NAIT lead 2-1 heading into the third period and got some insurance with less than 4 minutes remaining. Lakeland rallied, with Mackenzie Stafford scoring with just over 22 seconds on the clock, leading to a wild scramble before the buzzer and a 3-2 Ooks victory, snapping our 10 game winning streak. The following evening in Edmonton, the defending champs shutout the Rustlers 3-0, dropping women's hockey to 10-2 on the year, one game back of first place.
Rustlers Curling
Out in Camrose, Lakeland's curling teams made their debut with the ACAC Fall Regional. This is the first of two critical events to determine playoff qualification, which requires a top four finish by season's end.
The men's team had the best record of the three squads, finishing in a three-way tie of 3-1 on the guys draw. A three-way tie was also the case with the women's team, except in fourth place at 1-4. Mixed curling was also fourth, with a 2-2 record over the weekend.
What's Coming Up
Curling will now gear up for the Winter Regional on Jan. 17 in Edmonton, while volleyball, basketball and hockey have one more weekend of league play before the Christmas break.
Women's hockey travel to Medicine Hat for a two-game series with the Rattlers.
Basketball will also head down to the Hat, before visiting the Briercrest Clippers in Caronport, the latter being another big test for both teams.
Finally, volleyball will face the Rattlers and Clippers at home, with Cowboy Hats and Cowbells the theme on Friday and Saturday being Lakeland's Christmas Kickoff. This will feature a special concession menus, as well as numerous prizes and holiday cheer available for the fans.