The stage is set for the final of the 2013 ACAC Provincial Women’s Basketball Championships, and the host Augustana Vikings are there. 

The Vikings secured a spot in the final after a 72-59 win over the MacEwan Griffins March 1. The Vikings are joined in the final by wildcat entrant Olds College, which upset the Nait Ooks in the other semifinal 85-55.

The Vikings may only be one win away from a provincial championship, but despite going into the tournament the top seed, head coach Leanne Shenton isn’t allowing her girls to get ahead of themselves.

“There are quite a few teams that are playing amazing basketball and a couple of athletes that have been really impressive lately,” she said.

“We just need to make sure we manage all of the mental and physical aspects.”

In fact, with the provincial tournament being played on their home court, one of the factors that could determine success or failure for the Vikings will be their ability to manage their emotions.

“Playing at home has a whole bunch of advantages but it also adds more distractions, so managing that is important,” Shenton said. “We need to stay grounded and try to enjoy the fact that we’re hosting.”