Once crowned as champions, it’s often believed that the toughest job is to repeat. For the women’s squash team, this was no issue.
At the OUA championships, the Gaels dominated in spectacular fashion, winning all 40 of their matches against Western, Toronto, Waterloo, McMaster and Brock over the weekend in St. Catharines.
The Gaels came out on fire as they swept through the championships with a 5-0 run.
For head coach Lisa Coates, this year’s team is different than any other team she’s coached.
“This was a very special team,” Gaels head coach Lisa Coates said. “Not only we didn’t drop any match, we also held all our opponents shutout this year, which was sweet since U of T and Western are always very strong opponents.”
In addition to the championship banner, the Gaels also won a few individual accolades. The 2014 OUA Women’s MVP Heather White, and Penn State transfer Ali Richmond, were named to the OUA All-Star team.
However, it was the team’s depth that really stood out to their coach. The Gaels, Coates said, had an excellent corps of players which gave them a marvelous depth compared to other programs.
“From one [player] to another, this group of talented, hardworking individuals, really challenged each other to strive and continue the momentum to the championship,” she said.
The men’s team didn’t fare as well as their female counterparts. They finished sixth overall after a tough 1-5 campaign.
After a 6-2 win against Guelph in the second game of the weekend, the team struggled to continue their momentum as they were shut out in their last four games.
The top-ranked Western Mustangs led by legendary coach Jack Fairs captured the 33rd consecutive title while the Gaels’ Cameron Butler, after a strong showing during the championships, was awarded the Gael men’s solo accolade as Rookie of the Year.
Both men’s and women’s teams will be playing at the Jester’s League Finals in National Squash Academy, Toronto on Feb. 27.
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