Providence makes history in final year of American basketball play

The Providence Pilots made sure to exit American basketball play in style.

The program’s women’s team earned their first-ever berth to the National Christian Colleges Athletic Association division two national championships, getting selected as an at large wildcard after getting defeated in the North Region semi-finals.

The Pilots will only be playing a Canadian regular season schedule next season, leaving the Northern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and NCCAA. The addition of Red River to the basketball ranks in the MCAC means the Pilots can compete for Canadian College championships.

In their final year of American play they not only earned their first NCCAA championship berth but also picked up a victory, defeating Manhattan Christian College 81-58 in a placement game. Head coach Kendall Perpall was named the NCCAA’s coach of the year for the North Region.

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

Providence’s men’s volleyball team closed their season with a win at nationals, defeating Humber College 3-2 (25-23, 19-25, 11-25, 25-23, 15-12) to claim seventh place at the tournament in Edmonton.

Graduating Libero Kade Lepp was named the team’s most valuable player in the victory.

“We came in knowing we had to compete, and we just didn’t give up at all, which was really special to see in our last match of the year,” Lepp, who is a five-year player with Providence, said in a video posted to the Pilots’ social media.

“All the stuff off the court makes this team really special.”

Cole Doell was named an All-Canadian before the start of nationals.