It was a successful weekend for Queen’s teams as they hit the road across Ontario.
Men’s rugby finish season undefeated
The men’s rugby team in action against Western earlier this season. Journal File Photo
The Gaels capped off their regular season with a dominant 62-18 road game victory against McMaster. With the win this weekend, Queen’s improved to a perfect 8-0 record on the year and ensured themselves a first-round bye in the pending OUA playoffs.
Even with being the OUA champions four out of the last five years, 2017 has seen one of the most dominant rugby regular seasons in Queen’s history. Over their eight games, Queen’s has scored 460 points for compared to their 25 points against. During this time, the Gaels have also recorded three total shutouts.
As a result of their first-round bye, Queen’s has two weeks off to rest and regroup before they host the OUA semi-finals on Nov. 4.
Men’s soccer squeeze into playoffs
The men’s soccer team in action against Carleton earlier this season. Journal File Photo
Even after suffering two consecutive losses to the Ryerson Rams and the University of Toronto Varsity Blues — each by a score of 2-1 — men’s soccer is going to the playoffs.
The Gaels rounded out their season with a record of 6-7-3, good for sixth in the OUA East. In what can be described as an up-and-down campaign, the team finished middle of the pack in both goals for and against. They recorded 24 goals for and conceded 20 against — placing eighth and tenth in the OUA, respectively. One statistical highlight for Queen’s was captain Jacob Schroeter finishing third in the league with 12 goals scored.
The team will have a quick turnaround — and a shot to avenge this past weekend’s loss — when they head back to Toronto for a midweek first-round postseason matchup versus Ryerson.
Women’s soccer gain first round playoff bye
Journal File Photo
Opposite to their male counterparts, the women’s soccer team swept their weekend doubleheader — beating Ryerson 1-0 and U of T 3-2.
The wins saw the team extend their win streak to four games and helped them secure second place in the OUA East, effectively granting them a first-round bye in the playoffs.
The Gaels head into the postseason with one of the most potent offenses in the league. They had 49 goals for and had three players — Laura Callender, Jenny Wolever and Alexandra Doane — in the league’s top five scorers. Wolever also led the league in assists with nine and shots on goal with 57.
The Gaels next play on Oct. 28, where they’ll host the OUA quarterfinals at Richardson Stadium.
Women’s hockey struggle on second leg of weekend doubleheader
Journal File Photo
The women’s hockey team split their weekend series on the road.
On Saturday, the Gaels beat Brock with a 2-0 victory, giving goaltender Stephanie Pascal her first shutout of the season. Sunday’s game against Waterloo was a different story, as Queen’s gave up a 2-0 lead in the third period. Waterloo fed off their late momentum and put the game away in overtime, completing the comeback. The loss was their first of the season, as they now sit at 3-1-0 on the season.
2016 OUA Rookie of the Year Katrina Manakourakis was the team’s standout performer on the weekend, recording three goals over the two games.
The Gaels have their first home stand of the season this weekend, when they host Guelph and York.
Men’s hockey split games in Toronto
The Gaels experienced their first loss of the season this weekend as they made their way to Toronto for a pair of games against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues and Ryerson Rams.
Their game against U of T was a battle of two titans, with the two teams sitting at 1-1 at the end of the third. Unfortunately for Queen’s, the Varsity Blues ended the game within the second minute of overtime.
Saturday’s game against Ryerson served as redemption for Queen’s as they made their way over to the historic Maple Leaf Gardens. In a tight contest, a late goal from Ben Fanjoy sealed the deal as they left Toronto with a 3-1 record on the season. Fanjoy’s goal was his first in the OUA.
The Gaels will host the McGill Redmen and Concordia Stingers this weekend as they look to make a statement against some of the OUA’s best. Friday’s game against McGill will be a rematch of last season’s OUA semi-final.
Tags
Men’s Soccer, Men's hockey, Men's rugby, women's hockey, Women's soccer
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