By Josh Shwaykowski
The Holland »¢Ñ¨ÊÓƵHurricanes 2024-2025 women’s basketball team had a dominant regular season, securing second place in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) standings. They would ultimately lose in the championship game against the Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) Mystics. While the end result wasn’t what they had hoped for – it had been a very successful season for the squad.
The Hurricanes started the regular season strong, taking four of their first five games to put them comfortably in second place in the division.
They continued their dominance winning five of their next six, first place in the division was up for grabs.
Hurricanes head coach Chris Connolly had championship hopes with his team, they were outperforming his expectations.
“I think when we started going, and we started winning we, realized how good we could be, that’s when a strong belief started coming through,” he said.
The team took a tough loss against the St. Thomas University (STU) Tommies but bounced back to win five of their last six games.
They couldn’t catch MSVU but secured second place and a bye to the ACAA semi-finals.
“We had a great returning group,” said Connolly. “I knew our rookies were going to be good, I didn’t know they were going to be that good. They really impacted the game and put us over the top.”
The Hurricanes headed into semi-final action against the Mount Allison University Mounties looking to secure their spot in the championship game. They came out flying and jumped to a 21-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.
They never looked back and held off the Mounties for the rest of the game, winning 70-56 and punching their ticket to the ACAA championship game.
The Hurricanes would face MSVU, with their eyes on the trophy they again came out dominating, holding an 18-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.
That’s when the Mystics answered back, a strong second quarter tied the game heading into half time. The Hurricanes tried to respond but MSVU wouldn’t let up.
“MSVU just went on a run in that third quarter, they hit some big shots,” said Connolly.
The Mystics went up 12 points going into the final quarter, with their season on the line, Connolly told his team what they needed to do to get back in the game.
“Get a hand on shooters, no offensive rebounds, run them off the three-point line, and communicate on screens, if we’re not doing that, they can be dangerous.”
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, while the `Canes had a better fourth quarter, the Mystics won the ACAA championship 72-62.
“We just didn’t execute down the stretch,” Connolly said. “We couldn’t get good looks, they (MSVU) hit tough shots, they have a lot of veteran leadership, they’re well coached and they deserved to win that game. We gave up some easy baskets that hurt us.”
Although they didn’t win, Connolly said the team gave it everything they had.
“I was super proud of them, we played hard, we had been through a lot, and they really battled. It was the best defensive team I’ve had, and it shows the character of the girls, and it showed how badly they wanted it.”
With a second-place finish, the Hurricanes are looking to bounce back for next season.
“We have a great core group, I think we have probably the best rookie class in the conference last year,” said Connolly. “We’ve signed a recruit we’re very excited for and hopefully more to come. I think we’re in a good spot to get back to where we were, no going backwards, I’m excited for next year.”
Individually on the season, Lauren Armstrong was named a CCAA All-Canadian, the ACAA Player of the Year, and a member of the ACAA’s first All-Conference team.
Alexa Rancourt was also named to the ACAA’s first All-Conference team, while Nykeva Brown was named to the second team, as well as being recognized as the ACAA Rookie of the Year.
To cap it all off, head coach Chris Connolly was named the ACAA’s Coach of the Year.
Stay tuned as the Hurricanes women’s basketball 2025-26 season schedule will be announced soon.
Connect with the women’s basketball ‘Canes at and .
For more information on the Holland Hurricanes, visit , , and .
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