Looking for their first trip to the Canada West Final four since 2018, the Pandas Soccer team returns to conference action this weekend in the province of Saskatchewan. 

Ranked 8th in the Canada West pre-season coaches poll, the Pandas will visit the Regina Cougars and Saskatchewan Huskies to open conference play. 

With 21 of their 29 roster spots filled by returning student-athletes, expectations for the Pandas will be raised after a 4-7-3 conference season last fall, and a home playoff loss to Regina. Among the key returners for head coach Kristyn Shapka are forwards Wanda Czebreszuk and Adrienne Poulin, defender and conference all-star Kelli Haffie, and fellow veterans Erin Hope, Grace Mullane, and Abbie  Sheflo. 

The Pandas opened the 2024 season with a pre-season draw against Mount Royal, and a pair of tight road losses to Thompson Rivers and UBC Okanagan. 

2024 CW WSOC PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 
Team - Points (First-place votes)

1. UBC Thunderbirds - 225 (15)
2. Trinity Western Spartans - 207 (1)
3. MacEwan Griffins - 184
4. Calgary Dinos - 181
5. Victoria Vikes - 165
6. Saskatchewan Huskies - 156
7. UBCO Heat - 134
8. Alberta Pandas - 120
9. Thompson Rivers WolfPack - 117
10. Mount Royal Cougars - 92
11. Fraser Valley Cascades - 91
12. Manitoba Bisons - 72
13. Regina Cougars - 69
14. UNBC Timberwolves - 48
15. Lethbridge Pronghorns - 38
16. Winnipeg Wesmen – 21
 

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PANDAS SEASON PREVIEW

2023 CW regular season record: /4-7-3/ 4th in Prairie Division
2022 post-season record: /0-1/, Lost Quarter-Final vs Regina
Head Coach: Kristyn Shapka (5th year)
 
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2013 / 9
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2001 / 3
 
2023 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 19 goals, 10th
Defence: 23 goals against, 9th
 
2023 CW regular season leaders (returning):
Goals: 5 - Wanda Czebreszuk & Adrienne Poulin
Assists: 5 - Wanda Czebreszuk
Points: 10 - Wanda Czebreszuk
Wins: 4 - Autumn Wynn
Shutouts: 2 - Autumn Wynn
 
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Robyn Alexandruk / Keeper / 4th / Edmonton, AB / NWP Wolves
Abby Kotyk / Keeper / 3rd / Sherwood Park, AB / Red Deer Polytechnic Queens
Kate Kungel / Midfield / 1st / Hay Lakes, AB / Edmonton Drillers
 
Key Performer:
Adrienne Poulin
Midfield
4th Year
Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.

One of the most consistent offensive threats in Canada West is fourth-year Panda Adrienne Poulin. The speedy winger has scored 15 goals in 20 games over the last two seasons, and should once again find her name at the top of the conference scoring list in 2024.