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University of Victoria Athletics

University of Victoria Varsity Athletics

1984-85 University of Victoria Vikettes Women's Basketball Team

CIAU National Champions

THE TEAM

Kathy Shields (Head Coach)
Lori Clarke
Sandy Chambers
Sandy Espeseth
Susie Neil
Janet Fowler
Kim Poland
Sandy Pothier
Tessa Valg
Elizabeth Sara
Sue Loney
Irina Sladecek
Karen McConnell
 

 
BIOGRAPHY

With the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU) title just out of reach for the past two years, the University of Victoria Vikettes women’s basketball team was aiming to reinstate their championship status. The team came out strong, sweeping the 1984 Pre-Season Classic Canada West tournament. Defeating the University of British Columbia 57-34 and the University of Calgary 70-37, the Vikettes found themselves in the finals and earned a convincing 57-43 victory over the University of Lethbridge. Sandy Chambers was dubbed the tournament’s MVP, while Lori Clarke and Sandy Espeseth were both named to the all-star team.
 
With a perfect 10-0 regular season record, the Vikettes outscored their opponents 380-228 at home and 376-274 on the road. Head coach Kathy Shields finished off the 1984-85 season with an overall total of 95 wins and 15 losses in only six years at the helm of the Vikettes. The UVic women were consistently amongst the top five in season stats, exceeding their Canada West opponents in field goal percentage and free throw percentage. Season highs included Clarke’s free throw percentage of 93.7, 190 total points and 78 total rebounds, Chambers’ field goal percentage of 57.4, a free throw percentage of 76.4 and 129 total points while Susie Neil racked up 117 total points, 23 offensive rebounds and 31 defensive rebounds.
 
Travelling to the University of Alberta for the Canada West tournament, the Vikettes defeated the University of Calgary 56-48 in their first game and handily took a 68-45 win from the University of Alberta Golden Bears in the final. Clarke was named as one of the tournament’s five First Team All-Stars with Espeseth, Neil and Chambers named Canada West Second Team All-Stars.

The Vikettes were continuing to set the CIAU women’s basketball standards. This momentum carried them all the way to Bishop’s University for the CIAU national championship. The UVic women made it known they were there to win and opened the tournament with a resounding 61-42 victory over the reigning two-time national champions and hosts, Bishop’s University. Victoria than challenged Concordia University, winning 63-54 in the semifinals.
 
Just steps away from regaining the national title, the UVic women now had to face Laurentian University in the finals. The Vikettes put an exclamation point on their incredible, perfect season as they beat Laurentian 71-52. With 33 points, 14 rebounds and a free throw percentage of 87.5, Clarke was given the nod as tournament MVP, while Espeseth was named First Team All-Star as she finished with 25 points, a field goal percentage of 57.8.
 

HIGHLIGHTS

[DOWNLOAD THE 1984-85 YEAR IN REVIEW] 

Canada West Record: 10-0 (1st)
Canada West Playoffs: 2-0 (Gold)
CIAU Record: 3-0 (Gold)
 
Canada West First Team All-Stars: Lori Clarke
Canada West Second Team All-Stars: Sandy Chambers, Sandy Espeseth, Susie Neil
CIAU All-Canadian: Lori Clarke
CIAU First Team All-Stars: Sandy Espeseth
CIAU Tournament MVP: Lori Clarke

  • 1985 CIAU National Champions
  • Outscored opponents 756-502 during the regular season
  • Defeated the University of Alberta Golden Bears on their home court to earn another Canada West title
  • Defeated the University of Laurentian Voyageurs in CIAU Finals (71-52)
  • Had a perfect regular season and post-season record