Rattlers men’s futsal take silver in ACAC finals
The Medicine Hat College Rattlers men’s futsal team came just short of an ACAC title over the weekend.
The Rattlers finished second in the men’s futsal finals, falling 5-3 to the Keyano College Huskies in the final Sunday hosted by Portage College in Lac la Biche, Alta.
They punched their ticket to the finals with three straight wins at the championship weekend, beating the Lakeland College Rustlers Friday, topping the Ambrose Lions on Saturday and beating the Lions in a semifinals match Sunday morning. No goal scorers were posted for the games.
The Rattlers men’s futsal team had two players recognized at the award banquet Saturday, with Felipe
Valladares named to the ACAC men’s futsal all-conference and João Nascimento named ACAC men’s futsal South division rookie of the year and the ACAC men’s futsal all-conference for 2023-2024.
Terry Ballard, manager of athletics and recreation at MHC, spoke about both players achievements in a release Sunday.
“(Felipe’s) play can be defined by scoring timely goals and putting great pressure on opposing teams. Felipe has proved himself a strong addition to Rattlers Athletics and we congratulate him on receiving this award.”
“In addition to his physical skills, João also has a deep understanding of the game. For a first year studentathlete to be named ACAC rookie of the year as well as an ACAC all-conference, he had to perform at an exceptional level in each and every match.”
MHC’s women’s futsal team also had two players recognized, with Maisa
Rebello named to the 2024 ACAC women’s futsal all-Conference team and Abby Lalach selected as the 2023-24 ACAC women’s futsal South division rookie of the year.
“Maisa is a leader on the floor and has a great work ethic, dedicated to improvement at every practice and every game. She is very deserving of this award and we are extremely proud her contributions to the Rattlers,” said Ballard.
“Abby is a strong goalkeeper, and the Rattlers are looking forward to having her continue with the soccer and futsal programs,” said Ballard. “We congratulate Abby on being named rookie of the year.”
Indoor track
The Rattlers indoor track team raced at the Panthers indoor classic held at the Big Marble Go Centre this weekend.
Four MHC records were broken over the weekend and Annika Marshall won the 60m race with a time of 8.4 seconds.
Justin Jager ran the 60m in 7.2 seconds, Brooklyn Kaczynski finished the 400m in 69.1 seconds and Mizuki Iwata completed the 800m in a time of 2:44.9.
Next up for the Rattlers indoor track is the ACAC finals this weekend at the University of Alberta Butterdome in Edmonton, with 14 Rattler runners competing.