Top performing Gaels

Just over half-way through the year, our Sports Editor picks each team’s top performer

Below are the Sports Editor's choices for each team’s top performer.
Below are the Sports Editor's choices for each team’s top performer.

Men’s Basketball — Sukhpreet Singh, Guard

While the last five years have produced a lot of ups and downs for men’s basketball at Queen’s, Sukhpreet Singh has been a constant for Head Coach Stephan Barrie’s side. In his final year for the Gaels, Singh has become a true leader on the court. Even though he might be down from his 21.4 points per game from last year to 16.7 — both team leading — Singh has become more of an all-around player. Surrounded by nine new faces on this year’s team, Singh has become a more efficient scorer, hitting just-over 50 per cent of his field goals. With the team in a five-game losing streak, they’ll be looking to their veteran guard to get them back on track.

Women’s Basketball — Robyn Pearson, Post

After beating the number one ranked team in the country, one thing became clear for women’s basketball — they’re the real deal. With 12-straight wins and a balanced attack, Queen’s has relied heavily on their veterans. Leading the charge into the OUA playoffs is Robyn Pearson. Through 12 games, she has developed into a threat on both sides of the court for Queen’s. Third on the team in points with 10.5 per game as well as shooting 44.1 per cent from the field, Pearson has developed into a scorer for the Gaels. But where she does the most harm to other teams is on the glass. Pearson is second in the OUA in rebounds with 11.1 per game, providing the team with more chances on offense, while limiting the opposing sides on second chance opportunities. With Queen’s poised to go far, Pearson looks to play an important part come playoff season.

Men’s Hockey — Slater Doggett, Forward

After years of being a middle-of-the-pack team in the OUA, the men’s hockey team has become the most exciting part of Queen’s off campus. With the fourth-best defense in the league — with only 2.21 goals per game allowed — the Gaels are currently ranked third in the nation. While they’re strong in their own end, the best defense is a good offense. Leading the way is Slater Doggett. With 13 goals and 20 assists, Doggett is tied for second in points across the OUA this season. Just a year removed from going to the Chicago Blackhawks rookie camp, Doggett has adjusted to life in the OUA. When the team struggled early in the year, Head Coach Brett Gibson called on Doggett and fellow forward Eric Ming as leaders. With the team winning seven of their last 10 games, look for Doggett to continue his fine form.

Women’s Hockey — Stephanie Pascal, Goalie

By hosting the U Sports National Championship later this year, the women’s hockey team is guaranteed a spot in the final eight teams. Although they started the year slow, the team has won seven in a row, and currently sits fifth in the OUA, with up to three less games played than those above them. Leading the team during this hot streak has been goaltender Stephanie Pascal. Just a year removed from a concussion, the Gaels backstop has been crucial to the team’s success. With a .929 percent save percentage and a mere 1.95 goals against average, Pascal has given her team the opportunity to win every game. She’s played the second most minutes in the OUA for a goalie with 892:23, proving that she’s someone that Head Coach Dave Holmberg can rely on. For the team to continue their hot streak and roll into February strong, Pascal will be a crucial part of the team’s success.

Men’s Volleyball — Markus Trence, Outside Hitter

In a year when the men’s volleyball team lost all but one of their starters, Queen’s has relied on a familiar face — Markus Trence. Currently, Queen’s is second in the OUA East with a 7-4 record, and it’s largely thanks to the play of their offense. Queen’s has the most exciting offense in the league, leading the OUA in points per set, as well as kills per set. At the head of this attack is Trence. After spending last year on the sideline due to injury, the fourth-year outside hitter has been an offensive spark for the Gaels, currently third in the OUA in kills per set, and second in the league in total kills with 166. With Trence and the help of Zac Hutcheson, setter Jamie Wright has a multitude of options to deliver the final strike, allowing Wright to lead the OUA in assist per set. For the Gaels to continue strong this season, the offense will continue to rely on Trence.

Women’s Volleyball — Caroline Livingston, Outside Hitter

After last year’s first round exit in the playoffs, Head Coach Michael Ling said Caroline Livingston is one to watch this year. He wasn’t wrong. In her third-year at Queen’s, Livingston is the offensive leader of the 5-6 Gaels. In 11 matches, Livingston is third in the OUA in kills per set, and second in the league in total kills with 151. For Queen’s to get above the .500 mark, look for the team to rely on Livingston.

Tags

Markus Trence, Robyn Pearson, Slater Doggett, Stephanie Pascal, Sukhpreet Singh

All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s)-in-Chief and/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be contacted, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to journal_editors@ams.queensu.ca.

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