Though the Providence Pilots soccer teams entered their October 27 playoff matches against Canadian Mennonite University following strong outings last week, both the women’s and men’s squads lost their Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference semi-finals to the Blazers by 2-1 score-lines.

The women’s side played an intense game, out-chancing the Blazers 17-4 on shots and pushing them to overtime with a 1-1 tie after normal. Then, after a scoreless extra session, the teams went to penalty kicks, where the Blazers prevailed Pilots 5-4.

“This was one of those games where our team executed our game-plan and played the type of soccer we have been working towards,” analyzed head coach Tory Walker. “As a coach, I saw the team play their hearts out, and it is sad they didn’t get rewarded for it.”

In the men’s semi-final, it was the Pilots who opened the scoring. However, after some costly mistakes, including an own goal, Providence went on to lose 2-1.

“That was definitely our toughest loss by far on the season,” said head coach Joseph Passi. “We went down 2-1 even though our defense barely conceded chances all game, which made it very tough to swallow as a team.”

Both teams are now looking to regather themselves ahead of the upcoming National Christian Colleges Athletic Association Regional Championships in Watertown, Wisconsin starting November 2.

In basketball, the Pilots travelled to Aberdeen, SD to face the Presentation College Saints last weekend.

The Pilots women lost their first game 94-49. Nevertheless, guard Katelin Thiessen was a bright spot for Providence, scoring 18 points. In a Saturday re-match Providence made effective adjustments ahead of a much more competitive 77-60 defeat.

“My expectation leading up to Saturday’s game was of an improved defensive matchup,” remarked head coach Joel Coursey. “Fortunately for us, we were able to accomplish a risen level of offensive production and a much stingier defense.”

In men’s action, the Pilots faced the taller and bigger Saints, losing 136-81 and 125-70 on Friday and Saturday respectively. Through both contests, guard Jordan “JT” Lawson led his team with a combined 42 points and 16 rebounds.

“The guys did well to adjust to the tempo during the game and although we lost Friday night, our freshmen had great performances, showing they are able to compete at the college level,” said head coach Pierre Dubreuil.
The Pilots women will next welcome Rainy River Community College to Otterburne, MB for a two-match series on November 2 and 3. Following this, both squads will host the Red River College Rebels on November 9.