SURREY, B.C. - The Algonquin Thunder look to make Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) history this weekend as they represent the province at the 2013 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women's Soccer National Championship.

This year's nationals are being hosted by Kwantlen Polytechnic University with matches taking place at Newton Athletic Park in Surrey, B.C.

Algonquin has never medalled at nationals. In fact, no OCAA team has ever won a CCAA women's soccer championship since it began in 1991.

Fanshawe College came the closest to a CCAA title four years ago, settling for silver medal.

After participating in the previous three provincial championships with no gold medal to show for its efforts, Algonquin finally claimed the elusive OCAA title on Oct. 26. Algonquin is undefeated in 12 straight matches with an overall record of 10-0-2, including nine shutouts.

Algonquin is led by OCAA player of the year and CCAA all-Canadian Jenna Baldree (Kingston). The third-year defender plays nearly every minute for the Thunder, who gave up just four goals in its 12 matches. The OCAA all-star can also score when it is needed, with two goals during the regular season.

Algonquin boasts a solid backfield, as seen at the recent provincials. First-year defender Breanna Humpphreys (Ottawa) was named championship MVP for her excellent play. On the rare occasion where the opposition eludes the defence, Thunder goalkeeper Jennifer Kelly (Ottawa) is usually in position to make a key save. Kelly was named to the OCAA championship all-star team.

The Thunder also have a reliable veteran midfielder in Kelly Avalos (Ottawa), a two-time OCAA player of the year and four-time all-star. Avalos is also a two-time CCAA all-Canadian, and will get her first experience on the national stage.

Algonquin needs to win three straight to claim the national title. Its first match is against Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) wild card Ahuntsic Indiennes on Wednesday.

Championship Website: www.ccaa.ca/national-championship-s15054

Championship Schedule (all times PST)

Wednesday, November 6
Match 1: MacEwan (ACAC) vs. Holland (ACAA) - 10 a.m.
Match 2: Ahuntsic (RSEQ) vs. Algonquin (OCAA) - 12:30 p.m.
Match 3: Thompson Rivers (PACWEST) vs. NAIT (ACAC) - 3 p.m.
Match 4: Garneau (RSEQ) vs. Kwantlen (PACWEST) - 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 7
Match 5: Loser of Match 1 vs. Loser of Match 2 - 10 a.m.
Match 6: Loser of Match 3 vs. Loser of Match 4 -  12:30 p.m.
Match 7: Winner of Match 1 vs. Winner of Match 2 - 3 p.m.
Match 8: Winner of Match 3 vs. Winner of Match 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Friday, November 8
Match 9: Loser of Match 7 vs. Winner of Match 6 - 12 p.m.
Match 10: Loser of Match 8 vs. Winner of Match 5 - 3 p.m.

Saturday, November 9
Match 11: Loser of Match 5 vs. Loser of Match 6 - 9 a.m.
Match 12: Loser of Match 9 vs. Loser of Match 10 - 9 a.m.

CCAA Bronze Medal Match
Match 13: Winner of Match 9 vs. Winner of Match 10 - 11:30 a.m.

CCAA Gold Medal Match
Match 14: Winner of Match 7 vs. Winner of Match 8 - 3 p.m.

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is a recognized leader in intercollegiate athletics in the province, dedicated to student athlete and sport development. The OCAA has 29 members sponsoring 11 sports.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
Fax: 416-426-7308
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com