University of Alberta Edmonton, Canada 1 November 1996

Pandas rule Canada West

Field Hockey squad claims its first conference crown

By David Holehouse

The University of Alberta Pandas field hockey team won a berth at the CIAU Nationals in Victoria after taking the Canada West Universities Athletic Association title 20 October.

It's the first conference championship in the Pandas' 26-season history, and hopes were high for a strong showing at the nationals which run 31 October to 3 November.

"Last year we had a very good team but had a few key injuries," said coach Dru Marshall before the trip to Victoria. "This year we have three senior athletes back from training with the Canadian Senior National women's team, no injuries ...all the pieces were in place."

At the conclusion of conference play, Carla Somerville, fifth-year midfielder, was named conference MVP for the first time in her intervarsity career. At 22, she is a four-time conference all-star.

Dr Marshall was named conference Coach of the Year for the fourth time in her 16 seasons at the University of Alberta. She is the University's longest-serving head coach.

The Pandas also placed forward Christine Hunter, forward Susan Armstrong and sweeper BJ Steadward to the conference all-star team.

Alberta finished with a team-record 10 wins in posting a 10-1-1 conference record, after scoring a team-record 61 goals during conference play.

At the nationals the Pandas go up against the winners from the other two conferences, as well as the host university and two wild cards.

Folio front page

Office of Public Affairs

University of Alberta