Fall 2024 power rankings: What we’re seeing from Bears and Pandas

With the fall semester over, it’s time to evaluate the University of Alberta Golden Bears and Pandas in the semester’s top five power rankings.

1. Bears volleyball leads as the best in the country

It’s pretty hard to beat the number one ranked volleyball team in the country, as well as the reigning U Sports champion. The Bears volleyball team has had an amazing start to their season, only losing one game and seven sets, creating an 11-1 record. They’ll head into the New Year leading Canada West for the fifth semester in a row.

A focus is on players Jacob Sargent, Trent Cherewaty, Liam Espedido, Isaac Heslinga, and Luke Weddell. The team as a whole boasts a strong third-year lineup with a promising young core.

The Bears are followed closely in the Canada West standings by the University of Winnipeg Wesmen, who ended the semester with a 10-0 record. Any tie between the two teams for wins and losses will only be settled during the Canada West playoffs.

2. Bears hockey set to get better come the new year

Right under the Bears volleyball team, with only three losses in 16 games, is the Bears hockey team. The Bears are first in Canada West and third in U Sports in terms of points as they head into the semester break with a 13-3-0 record.

The Bears will start the second semester against the University of Grant MacEwan Griffins on January 3 and 4 with a hopeful returning lineup. Brett Hyland and Sean Tschigerl will return as the team looks to regain some of their early success. Prior to Hyland’s injury on November 9, the Bears were 9-1-0, and 12-2-0 until Tschigerl’s absence on November 29.

While the team has been in a steady decline in terms of points per game since reading week, the return to a normal lineup suggests some positive growth. The Bears’ real challenge will come from the University of Saskatchewan Huskies on January 24 and 25.

3. Pandas volleyball takes over after slow start season

After starting the season on a three-game losing streak, the Pandas volleyball team has been on a nine game hot-streak. In those nine games, they’ve only given up two sets, giving them a 9-3 record. The Pandas will return from the semester break as third in Canada West under the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds and the University of Fraser Valley.

The Thunderbirds are seated first in Canada West with an undefeated record, but are set to play the Pandas on February 7 and 8. If the Pandas can secure at least the split win, they’ll shake up the standings enough to stay in a top seeded position.

With 145 kills, Abby Guezen is leading the team, followed by Laila Johnston with 128.

4. Pandas basketball stays hot but face potential setback

The Pandas basketball team started the season strong with a weekend sweep against the University of Calgary Dinos. They’ve since won four games straight to wrap up the term. One big problem though — the Pandas gave up a sweep against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in their only regular season matchup.

The loss places the Pandas second in the Prairie division under the Huskies and the University of Regina Cougars. Despite the weekend sweep, the Pandas are 6-2 in conference play and 11-3 overall, a fairly healthy record with some needed momentum.

Leading the team is Annacy Palmer with 12 points per game followed closely by Claire Signatovich.

5. Pandas hockey sees weird amount of overtime

The Pandas hockey team started the season rolling with two shutouts in a row, albeit against some low-ranking teams. However, they’ve recently settled two back-to-back games out of regulation resulting in five overtime games overall.

It’s difficult to say what’s causing all this out of regulation play. The obvious answer is that the Pandas take a strong start early in the game but lose all their finish. However, the real cause is likely a bit more complicated.

With all this in mind, the Pandas are sitting third in Canada West under the Thunderbirds and Mount Royal University Cougars. The Cougars and Pandas are tied at 25 points, each taking the split win. The deciding factor ultimately comes down to the one goal difference in their goal differential.