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November 2011
MEN’S TEAM OF THE MONTH
McMaster Marauders Football
The McMaster Marauders football team had their most successful season in school history winning three major championship titles in the month of November. Having gone undefeated as of September 17, the Marauders began November with a 40-13 romping of the Queen's Gaels in the OUA semifinals. They steamrolled their way through the Yates Cup with a 41-19 win over the favoured Western Mustangs for the school's first Yates Cup victory since 2003, and followed that with a win on the east coast in the Uteck Bowl over the Acadia Axemen. They finished off the month with a 41-38 double overtime victory at the Vanier Cup over the top ranked Laval Rouge et Or, winning their first Vanier Cup Championship in school history.
WOMEN’S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Brock Badgers Basketball
The Brock women's basketball team is off to a perfect 8-0 regular season start and remains just one of three schools in the CIS with an undefeated record. The Badgers knocked off the No. 3 ranked Carleton Ravens in the second game of the season and defeated No. 8 ranked Toronto Varsity Blues this past weekend. They also knocked off the No. 1 ranked Regina Cougars in pre-season action. Brock is led by Nicole Rosenkranz who ranks first in the OUA and CIS in blocks (14), ninth in OUA scoring (13.9 PPG) and seventh in OUA rebounding (8.5 RPG). Also in double figures is Emily McKay who is averaging 11.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per contest. The Badgers up-tempo pressure defence has caused the opposition problems all season long, forcing 219 turnovers which Brock has converted into 185 points. Brock has outscored their opponents 558-421 and is averaging 69.8 points per game.
October 2011
MEN’S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Queen’s Gaels Football
The Gaels football team went undefeated in the month of October, winning all three regular season games as well as their quarter-final matchup with the Laurier Golden Hawks. In their 4-0 stretch, the Gaels won big in each game outscoring their opponents 131-24. Their October run was punctuated by a 37-0 win over then No.1 nationally ranked Western Mustangs on national television. The Gaels top performer in this stretch was Ryan Granberg of Sherwood Park, Alta. who clinched his first CIS rushing title thanks to 778 yards rushing between the regular season and playoffs. Just prior to the playoffs, the team moved into the national rankings for the first time, debuting at No. 8.
WOMEN’S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Guelph Gryphons Rugby
In the month of October the Guelph Gryphon women’s rugby team capped off a perfect 5-0 regular season and won their fourth straight OUA Championship with a 36-5 victory over the McMaster Marauders. The victory also marks the 12th time the Gryphons have won the OUA title since it was first competed for in 1994. During the regular season Guelph scored 453 points, nearly double the next closest team, while holding opposing teams to just eight points. The No. 2 nationally ranked Gryphons also enjoyed individual accolades during October as six different players including five all-stars and three major award winners swept the Shiels division. Jacey Murphy (Alliston, Ont.) was named the MVP, Brittany Priddle earned top rookie and Colette McAuley was named the OUA coach of the year.
September 2011
MEN’S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Western Mustangs Football
The Western Mustangs football team has started the season with a perfect 5-0 record and they have been ranked No. 2 in the CIS Top Ten since the start of the season. The Mustangs are the top scoring team in the OUA and CIS, averaging 51.4 points per game and feature the top two touchdown machines in the CIS with Tyler Varga (Kitchener, Ont.) leading the way with 13 touchdowns and Nathan Riva (LaSalle, Ont.) closing in with 9. The Mustangs have already dismantled two CIS Top Ten teams, after beating McMaster in Week 2 by a score of 48-21 when they were ranked No. 3, and followed that up in Week 3 with a 41-13 win over the Ottawa Gee Gees when they were ranked No. 9.
WOMEN’S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Laurier Women’s Soccer
To put it simply, the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks women’s soccer team has dominated the OUA West division since the beginning of the year. After opening the season as the No. 4 team in Canada, the Hawks have won all nine of their games in 2011 and have done so in decisive fashion. The team has scored 28 goals while allowing just five and has an average margin of victory of over 2.5 goals per game. Their play has subsequently vaulted them into top-spot in the CIS coaches’ poll as the top team in the country.
The Hawks have been led by a trio of players who are at the top of the OUA scoring list including Alyssa Lagonia (Kitchener, Ont.), Krista Cellucci (Mississauga, Ont.), and rookie Emily Brown (Waterloo, Ont.). Those three have combined for 18 of Laurier’s 28 goals in 2011 and they represent the most prolific offensive trio of anyone in the OUA.
March 2011
MEN’S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Carleton Ravens Basketball
The Carleton Ravens men’s basketball team went 4-1 in March to finish the 2010-11 season with a record of 34-1 against CIS competition, with their lone loss coming in the OUA final against the Lakehead Thunderwolves. The team dominated the OUA East and CIS awards, earning four out of the five major awards in the OUA and three out of five in the CIS. The Ravens entered the CIS Final 8 tournament as the No. 2 seed and proved to be unstoppable, defeating the Concordia Stingers 73-66 in the quarter-final before knocking off the defending champion Saskatchewan Huskies 95-83 in the semis. OUA and CIS player of the year, Tyson Hinz, was named the tournament MVP as the Ravens went on to capture their seventh national title in nine years, defeating Trinity Western 82-59 in the final.
WOMEN’S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Windsor Lancers Basketball
The Windsor Lancers women’s basketball team captured their first ever CIS Championship in the program’s 50 year history, while also becoming the first team to win a CIS women’s basketball national title on their home court. The No. 1 Lancers finished the month of March undefeated with a 4-0 record, including the win that gave them their third-straight OUA championship title. OUA and CIS player of the year, Jessica Clemencon, was named championship game MVP at both the provincial and national level, while teammate Miah-Marie Langlois was named CIS tournament MVP.
February 2011
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
McMaster Marauders Volleyball
The McMaster Marauders men's volleyball team went 6-1 in the month of February to be crowned the newest OUA Champions. On Saturday night at Alumni Hall in London, Ont., the Marauders were able to take down the top ranked Western Mustangs in their own gymnasium. The Marauders defeated the Mustangs 3-1, on their way to their third OUA title in four years. Mikasa Final Four MVP Tyler Santoni (Kingston, Ont.) and Rookie All-Star Jori Mantha (Vanier, Ont.) led the Marauders with 11 kills and 14 points. The McMaster Marauders advance to the CIS Championships being held at Trinity Western University in British Columbia from March 4-6.
WOMEN’S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Queen’s Gaels Hockey
The Queen’s Gaels women’s hockey team put together one of their best stretches of hockey in program history during the month of February. The Gaels won all seven of the games they played, including five wins over nationally-ranked opponents, and outscored their opposition 21-7, allowing just a single goal in each of their wins. The Gaels opened the month with victories on the road over No. 5 Brock and No. 8 Guelph before finishing their regular season at home with two more wins to wrap up fourth place in the OUA standings. They continued their strong play into the post-season, posting three consecutive 2-1 double overtime victories over No. 10 Windsor in the quarter-finals and No. 2 Laurier in the semifinals to advance to their first OUA Championship since 2006-07. Goaltender Mel Dodd-Moher starred for the Gaels during the streak, especially during the playoffs, as she won all three playoff games posting a 0.75 GAA and a 0.973 SV%. Twin sisters Brittany and Morgan McHaffie were also very strong for Queen’s with both players posting four points in three games while Brittany scored both overtime winners against the Golden Hawks
January 2011
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Carleton Ravens Basketball
The No. 1 nationally ranked Carleton Ravens men’s basketball team continued to put on outstanding displays on the court to open 2011. The team went undefeated in the month of January, earning nine victories and cracking the century mark three times. The team also captured its fourth straight MBNA Capital Hoops Classic title after defeating cross-town rivals, the uOttawa Gee-Gees 78-65 at Scotiabank Place. They have a strong hold on top spot in the OUA East with a perfect 17-0 record. Second-year forward Tyson Hinz (Ottawa, Ont.) is fifth in OUA scoring with 286 points in 17 games.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Brock Badgers Hockey
The No. 6 Brock Badgers women’s hockey team went 6-1 in January and has won eight of their last nine games. In that nine game span, the Badgers have earned two wins over No. 2 Laurier as well as single victories over No. 8 Guelph and No. 9 Windsor. Defensively in their last nine games, the Badgers have allowed only 12 goals, an average of 1.33 per game including shutout victories of Waterloo, Western and No. 8 Guelph. On the offensive end, the Badgers have averaged 3.29 goals per game over their last nine. OUA scoring leader Kelly Walker (Brampton, Ont.) used the month of January to extend her lead in the points race. Walker added six goals and eight assists on the month for a season total of 19 goals, 19 assists for 38 points, nine points ahead of second. January also marked a historic occasion for the Badgers, as their latest win over No. 2 Laurier, was the first time in school history that the team has reached the 20-win mark. The same win was also the 100th conference victory in school history.
November 2010
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
York Lions Soccer
The York University Lions men’s soccer team won its second national title in three seasons in November. The squad went 4-1 overall for the month, with a perfect 3-0 record at the CIS championships and a 1-1 mark at the OUA championships. At the national tournament the Lions knocked off the defending champion Laval Rouge et Or with a 3-2 penalty kicks win in the quarter-finals, defeated the AUS champion Saint Mary’s Huskies 1-0 in the semis and won the gold medal with a 1-0 victory over the Canada West champion UBC Thunderbirds in the final. Striker Adrian Pena (Woodbridge, Ont.) was named the CIS tournament MVP and five members of the squad were among the 11 players selected for the CIS tournament all-star team. Earlier in the month, the Lions knocked off the Ryerson Rams in the OUA semifinals to advance to the national championships and settled for the OUA silver medal after a narrow 1-0 loss in penalty kicks to the Toronto Varsity Blues.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Queen’s Gaels Soccer
The Queen’s Gaels women’s soccer team capped off an incredible season by winning the 2010 CIS Women’s Soccer Championships in November. The Gaels went 4-1 in the month of November having only lost in the OUA championship to provincial rivals, the Laurier Golden Hawks. After advancing to the national championship tournament with a 3-0 win over the McMaster Marauders, Queen’s posted three consecutive shutout victories to capture their second national championship in team history. The Gaels opened up the CIS Championships with a 1-0 win over the AUS Champion Cape Breton Capers thanks to a 14th minute goal from CIS scoring champion Jacqueline Tessier (Winnipeg, Man.). In the semifinals, Queen’s knocked off the upstart UFV Cascades 2-0 as Elena Corry (Hamilton, Ont.) posted her second consecutive shutout. The championship match saw an all-Ontario final where Queen’s took on the Laurier Golden Hawks. After 90 scoreless minutes, Queen’s scored an overtime goal from Riley Filion (Alexandria, Ont.) to win their first national title since 1988.
October 2010
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Guelph Gryphons Cross Country
The Guelph Gryphon men’s cross country team dominated the OUA Championships. The Gryphons swept the medal podium, had five of the top six runners and broke the OUA record for lowest team score. It also marked the sixth consecutive OUA team title for the Gryphon men. Alex Genest (Lac Aux Sables, Que.), led the Gryphons after finishing the 10 kilometre course in a time of 30:30 and was named the men’s OUA MVP. Finishing nine seconds behind Genest was teammate Kyle Boorsma (Guelph, Ont.) with a time of 30:39.5 while Allan Brett (Ottawa) completed the podium sweep finishing third with a time of 31:00.5. Finishing fourth for the Gryphons was first year Ross Proudfoot (Sudbury, Ont.) with a time 31:19.0, Proudfoot was named the OUA men’s rookie of the year for his performance. Overall the Gryphons earned six OUA All-Stars.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Guelph Gryphons Rugby
The Guelph Gryphon women’s rugby team finished the regular season with a perfect 5-0 record and won the OUA Championships in the month of October. The victory marked the 11th time that the Gryphons have won the OUA title. The Gryphons finished first atop the OUA Shiels Division and went 8-0 overall, including a 5-0 regular season record and then 3-0 in the playoffs. Guelph outscored the competition 380-0 in the regular season and 171-11 in the playoffs.In October, the Gryphons received numerous individual accolades and led the OUA Shiels Division with most award winners. Jacey Murphy (Alliston, Ont.) was named the Gilbert Canada Shiels Division most valuable player. The fourth-year eightman played a huge role in the Gryphons first place finish, tallying 85 points in five games. Meanwhile, first-year centre Dominique Monaghan (Markham, Ont.) was a key part of the Gryphons defence, who gave up zero points in the regular season and was named the Shiels rookie of the year. Five Gryphons were also named Shiels All-Stars including Murphy. Fly half, three time All-Star and former All-Canadian Brittany Benn (Napanee, Ont.), two-time All-Star lock Caitlin Beaton (Clavering, Ont.), inside centre Jane Kirby (Brampton, Ont.), and flanker Stephanie deVries (Ariss, Ont.).
September 2010
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Western Mustangs Soccer
The Western Mustangs men’s soccer team recorded an undefeated 8-0-1 record through September. Allowing just four goals in nine games, the Mustangs are ranked No. 2 in the CIS and have the best record in the OUA. Goalkeeper Andrew Murdoch (Burlington, Ont.) recorded seven shutouts in the nine games in September as the Western offence recorded 20 goals in that stretch, led by Niko Mavrikos' (Victoria, B.C.) nation-leading 10 goals. The Mustangs have outscored their September opponents 20-4 in nine games.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Waterloo Warriors Golf
The Waterloo Warriors women’s golf team have been simply dominant at all OUA events they have been a part of this season. At the Western Invitational, Waterloo won gold at both events by 14 strokes and 11 strokes. Led by rookie golfer Devon Rizzo (Brantford, Ont.) who shot an OUA women’s golf record of two-under 70 in the opening round, the Warriors look unstoppable heading into this year’s OUA Championship. Fifth year and backbone of the women’s golf program, Tiffany Terrier (Kingston, Jamaica) also picked up gold in the second event of the Western Invitational. At their home invitational tournament this past weekend the Warriors won the title by a staggering 29 strokes once again led by Rizzo who shot another two-under (70) and a two day total of 145 (one-over par); she earned the individual title over teammate Terrier by 11 strokes.
March 2010
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Queen's Gaels Curling
The Queen's Gaels men's curling team overcame all odds as they captured the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS)-Canadian Curling Association (CCA) championship in thrilling fashion. Facing off against Canadian junior champions as well as world junior medalists, the Gaels posted a 5-1 record in the round robin to finish atop the standings in their pool. In the semfinals, the Gaels found themselves down 5-2 against the Manitoba Bisons late in the game before they took one point with the hammer in the eighth end. In the ninth, the team stole one point and then stole two in the 10th to advance to the championship match. Facing off against Canadian junior champion Brett Gallant and the UPEI Panthers, the Gaels played the Panthers shot for shot and came out with a 7-6 victory. Skip Jonathan Beuk was named a first-team all-Canadian and lead Scott Chadwick was named a second-team all-Canadian following the championship. The team will now represent Canada at the 2011 International University Sports Federation (FISU) games in Turkey.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Windsor Lancers Basketball
The Windsor Lancers women's basketball team had their best season ever, winning a silver medal at the CIS women's basketball championship in Hamilton, Ont. The Lancers lost out to the Simon Fraser Clan 77-56 in the national final, but they improved on a fourth-place finish in 2008-09 in just their second trip to the CIS tournament. The Lancers repeated as OUA champions, defeating the Ottawa Gee-Gees 83-55 in the conference final. The Lancers had a 24-1 record against OUA opponents in both the regular season and playoffs, matching their 2008-09 record. The Lancers won their first two games at the national tournament before losing to Simon Fraser. OUA West and CIS rookie of the year Jessica Clemençon (St. Rambert, France) wrapped up a terrific season by being named Windsor's most valuable player in the championship final, as well as a CIS tournament all-star.
February 2010
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Lakehead Thunderwolves Wrestling
The Lakehead Thunderwolves won their first-ever OUA men's wrestling championship. Led by OUA coach of the year Brock Curtis, the Thunderwolves tied the Brock Badgers for top spot in the standings sharing the OUA crown. Thunderwolves who earned gold medals included Gaston Tardiff (Calgary) in the 57 kg division, Dustin Helwig (Toronto) in the 61 kg weight class and Corey Lee (LaSalle, Ont.) in the 82 kg division. Tardiff's victory over Brock's Tim Clement (Barrie, Ont.) in the gold medal match proved to be the difference for Lakehead in its share of the men's title. Other Thunderwolves earning hardware were Preston Mikulasik taking silver in the heavyweight division, and bronze medalists Steve Gross (Cambridge, Ont.) in the 54 kg class, Jason Bresele (Thunder Bay, Ont.) in the 65 kg, Scott Christian (Brampton, Ont.) in the 68 kg and Brandon Gardner (Grand Prairie, Alta.) in the 90 kg.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Waterloo Warriors Curling
The Waterloo Warriors won the OUA women's curling title for the first time in three seasons. The Warriors, who had a 5-3 regular season record, got hot at the right time, winning all three round robin games, including one against the previously unbeaten Brock Badgers, to earn a spot in the final. In the final game of the round robin, Waterloo stole a pair against the defending Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) champion Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks in the eighth end to win 6-5. Laurier then held a lead against the Warriors in the gold medal game, but Waterloo stole one in the eighth end and another in the extra end to win 6-5. The Warriors are comprised of skip Katie Pringle (Orillia, Ont.), lead Molly Hunter (Exeter, Ont.), second Leigh Coyle (Mississauga, Ont.), vice Bridget Arnold (Waterloo, Ont.) and fifth member Melissa Savage (Listowel, Ont.).
January 2010
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Waterloo Warriors, Hockey
The No. 10 nationally-ranked Waterloo Warriors won six of seven games in the month of January to improve to 17-6-1 and sit in second place in the OUA West with 35 points, one point behind the No. 8 Lakehead Thunderwolves and No. 3 Western Mustangs. Included in their six wins were four road victories, highlighted by two road wins over their cross-town rivals, the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks. The Warriors defeated the Golden Hawks 5-4 in overtime on Jan. 7, and 4-3 this past Saturday night (Jan. 30). The Warriors currently are on a five-game win streak. Chris Ray (Kelowna, B.C.) is currently 12th in OUA scoring with 33 points, including 17 goals and 16 assists. Goaltender Keaton Hartigan (Kitchener, Ont.) is near the top of OUA in shutouts with three this season, including a 4-0 win over the Brock Badgers on Jan. 29. The Warriors have four games remaining this season, including three at home, as they look to secure top spot in the OUA West.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Toronto Varsity Blues, Volleyball
After a 5-4 start to the season, the Toronto Varsity Blues women's volleyball team has turned things around in the New Year. Toronto is a perfect 7-0 in the month of January, dropping only two sets as they've staked their claim on the top spot in the OUA East. The Blues have blanked all but one of their opponents 3-0 in 2010 – the only blemish came versus the York Lions. Down 2-1 heading into the fourth set, fifth-year veteran Heather Bansley (Waterdown, Ont.) rallied the troops with a 22-kill and 17-dig performance to come from behind and secure the win. Toronto also handily defeated the Queen's Gaels 3-0 on home court on Jan. 30. Bansley again led the squad with 16 kills and 11 digs and recorded her 1,000th career point as a Varsity Blue. The Varsity Blues have three players on the Top-15 leader board, more than any other team in OUA. Bansley currently leads OUA in points (5.19) and kills (4.23) per game, as well as total serving aces (31), while fellow veterans Kristina Valjas (Toronto) and Karlee Diesing (Coquitlam, B.C.) average 3.58 and 3.42 points per game, respectively. Blues setter Kathleen Mahannah (North Vancouver, B.C.) is currently ranked third in OUA, averaging 9.62 assists per game.
November 2009
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Queen's Gaels, Football
The Queen's Gaels football team captured the Yates Cup, the Mitchell Bowl and the Vanier Cup in November to cap off an incredible season. After finishing the regular season atop the OUA standings with a 7-1 record, the Gaels easily handled the McMaster Marauders in the OUA semifinal before facing their rivals from London, Ont., the Western Mustangs. In one of the greatest games in Yates Cup history, Danny Brannagan (Burlington, Ont.) outdueled Michael Faulds (Eden Mills, Ont.) in a showdown on the two top passers in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) history to lead Queen's to their first OUA title since 1978. The victory advanced the Gaels to the Mitchell Bowl where they squared-off against the No. 1-ranked team in Canada, the Laval Rouge et Or. With Laval looking to advance to the Vanier Cup on their home turf, Queen's spoiled the party as they upset the Rouge et Or by a score of 33-30. The victory was highlighted by Jimmy Allin's (Belleville, Ont.) 120-yard return of a missed field goal for a touchdown. The Gaels finished their season in style as they overcame an 18-point halftime deficit to shock the Calgary Dinos by a score of 33-31 and capture their fourth Vanier Cup. Brannagan was named the game's MVP and Chris Smith (Toronto) captured top defensive honours for the Gaels.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Guelph Gryphons, Cross-Country
In the month of November, the Guelph Gryphons women's cross-country team once again dominated the CIS cross-country championships at Fort Henry Hill in Kingston, Ont. The Gryphon women entered the history books becoming the first team to earn five championship banners in a row. Both the men's and women's team won both titles for a record fourth straight year and Guelph became the most successful cross-country program in CIS history with the most CIS banners captured by a single school with 15. The Gryphon women finished 87 points ahead of second place Toronto. The spread was the largest in CIS history adding another record to Guelph's impressive list. Individually the Gryphons were led by third-year runner Lindsay Carson (Cambridge, Ont.) who earned the silver medal. Rookie Genevieve Lalonde (Moncton) was named the CIS rookie of the year after finishing ninth and being named a second team all-canadian, and head coach Dave Scott-Thomas was named the coach of the year for the fourth straight season. Overall the team finished with three all-Canadian runners.
October 2009
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Queen's Gaels, Rugby
The Queen's Gaels men's rugby team went a perfect 4-0 in the month of October to secure first place in the OUA standings. Two of those wins came against the second and third place teams in the OUA, the Western Mustangs and the Brock Badgers. Back on Oct. 3, the Gaels earned a hard-fought 13-12 win over their rivals from Western and two weeks later, easily handled the Badgers by a score of 36-3. The wins are even more impressive considering they both came on the road. The team was also extremely successful off the pitch in their continued fundraising efforts for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF). They have been actively involved with the CIBC Run for the Cure for the past 10 years and after another successful fundraising campaign this year, the team has raised over $125,000 in the last 11 years for the CBCF.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Queen's Gaels, Soccer
The Queen's Gaels women's soccer team wrapped up one of their best seasons in school history as they finished atop the OUA standings with a 13-1-2 record. The No. 2 ranked team in the country won seven games and tied one during the month of October. What is even more impressive is that they did not allow a single goal during the eight-game stretch. After earning a first-round bye, the Gaels opened their drive for an OUA championship with a 3-1 victory over the Carleton Ravens to close out the month.
September 2009
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Western Mustangs, Football
The defending OUA champion and No. 2 nationally-ranked Western Mustangs were 4-0 in September and defeated nationally ranked Ottawa, Wilfrid Laurier and Guelph during the month. Running back Nathan Riva (LaSalle, Ont.) led the nation in scoring with 10 touchdowns and was at the top for all-purpose yards. Preseason Hec Crighton favourite Michael Faulds (Eden Mills, Ont.) led the nation in many categories including passing yards, touchdowns and total offence. Western averaged 717 all-purpose yards per game, including 544 yards of total offence per game and had 1,367 passing yards in the month.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Guelph Gryphons, Field Hockey
The Guelph Gryphon women’s field hockey team has dominated the 2009 season so far with a perfect record and sits atop the OUA leaderboard. During the month of September the Gryphons went 6-0, outscoring the opposition 26-2 and lead OUA with most goals scored. Third-year player Brienne Stairs (Kitchener, Ont.) was the top scorer in the scorer in the country with 15 goals, and was named the OUA and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) athlete of the week once during September.
March 2009
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Windsor Lancers Track & Field
The Windsor Lancers men's track & field team captured the CIS championship title with a record-breaking 145.5 points, 73.5 points ahead of second place Sherbrooke. It is their second CIS title in four years. Dennis Fairall was named CIS Coach of the Year and Jamie Adjetey-Nelson was named Outstanding Athlete of the Meet.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Windsor Lancers Track & Field
The Windsor Lancers women's track & field team captured their second CIS title in four years, with a nail-biting one-point victory over their OUA rivals, the Guelph Gryphons. This truly was a team effort as the girls only had a handful of all-Canadians. Dennis Fairall was also named the CIS Women's CIS Coach of the Year.
February 2009
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Toronto Varsity Blues Swimming
For the sixth consecutive year, the University of Toronto men's swimming team reigns supreme in OUA and were crowned champions at the 2008-09 OUA Swimming Championships, Feb. 6 to 8. The Varsity Blues men's swim team left no doubt that they deserved to be the OUA champions. The men crushed all competition, totalling 906 points with their nearest competitor, the Western Mustangs, 318 points behind them. Led by two first-year phenoms, swimmer of the meet and triple-gold medalist Curtis Samuel and record-breaking butterflier Zack Chetrat, coupled with the solid leadership of veterans Cam Cummings and Marco Monaco, the Blues dominated in almost every facet. Two weeks later, 2008 Olympian Colin Russell led the men's team to a fantastic third-place finish at the CIS championships at the University of British Columbia. Russell's performance - two national records, three individual gold medals, one individual silver and three relay medals (two silver, bronze) - along with a break-out meet for Blues rookie Chetrat, helped guide the Toronto men to a place on the CIS podium. As the top OUA finisher, Toronto captured the bronze medal with 404 total points, 33 points ahead of fourth-place Université de Laval. For his efforts Russell was named the 2009 CIS Male Swimmer of the Year and the winner of the Sprinter's Cup after sweeping the 50 and 100m freestyle events.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Windsor Lancers Women's Basketball
The Windsor Lancers women's basketball team made history in the month of February. Not only did they finish first in the OUA (21-1) for the first time ever in program history, they won the OUA West Division title for the first time, and captured their very first OUA Championship banner in front of a capacity crowd at the St. Denis Centre on Feb. 28. After receiving a first-round bye in the quarter-finals and earning home court advantage through out the playoffs, the Lancers defeated the Laurier Golden Hawks 78-67 in the West semi-final to advance to the OUA West Final for only the second time in history. In the OUA West Final, the Lancers dominated the Western Mustangs 81-62 to capture their first-ever division championship and earn themselves a berth at the CIS championship (also a program first). The Lancers then hosted the Ottawa Gee-Gees in the OUA Women's Basketball Championship, and took the crown with a 68-51 win to become league champions. On top of all this, the Lancers also had two members (Alisa Wulff and Dranadia Roc) named to the first team OUA West All-Star team, Bojana Kovacevic named to the OUA West All-Rookie team, and head coach Chantal Vallee named the OUA West Coach of the Year for the second straight season.
January 2009
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Carleton Ravens Men's Basketball
The Carleton Ravens men's basketball program went 12-0 (9-0 OUA and 3-0 non-conference) during the month of January. Carleton extended its unbeaten streak at home to nine straight games (by going 5-0 at home in January) and 4-0 on the road against their OUA East opponents, to continue its No. 1 ranking in CIS and OUA with a 16-1 regular season record. The highlight of the month was defeating their cross-town rivals, the Ottawa Gee-Gees, 87-72 in the 3rd Annual MBNA Capital Hoops Classic which drew a new CIS regular season basketball record crowd of 10,532. Carleton won five different games by scoring 100 or more points and won four games by more than 40 points, showing their dominance in the OUA East Division. In addition, the Ravens started off the month participating in Dalhousie's Rod Shoveller Memorial Tournament by winning the three-day event by a total of 47 points, including a 22-point victory over St. Francis Xavier in a battle of the CIS No. 1 and No. 3 nationally-ranked schools at the time.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Toronto Varsity Blues Women's Basketball
The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's basketball team has put together an incredible eight-game win streak in the month of January, pushing their regular season record to 13-5 and moving them into sole possession of first place in the OUA East Division. With a solid mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the Blues are third in OUA scoring offence, tallying an average of 69.3 points per game. They are second in team free-throw percentage (73.5), and they are fourth in team rebounding. Fourth-year veteran guard Alaine Hutton (Hamilton, Ont.) and first-year Varsity Blues forwards Nicki Schutz (Toronto, Ont.) and Tara Kinnear (Kemptville, Ont.) have led the way for the Blues who have not lost a game, 8-0, since returning from the winter break. Hutton is tied for second in the OUA scoring race (18.2 PPG), while Schutz is fourth with 16.7 points per game. Schutz also tops the OUA charts in rebounding, averaging 11.9 boards per game. Kinnear, for her part, sits fourth in the conference with 8.9 RPG.
November 2008
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
York Lions Men's Soccer
The York Lions men's soccer team capped off a near-perfect season with a national championship, the program's first in 31 years and York's first in any sport since 1990. The squad was dominant at the CIS Men's Soccer Championship, posting three shutouts to become just the third team to end the tournament without allowing a single goal since 1991, the first year teams had to win three games to capture the national title. One week after a heartbreaking 1-0 overtime defeat to the Laurier Golden Hawks in the OUA championship game, the men went into Ottawa and proved they were the best in Canada. The Lions blanked the Canada West champion Victoria Vikes 3-0 in the opening contest, defeated the Quebec champion Montreal Carabins 1-0 in the semifinal and then knocked off the Trinity Western Spartans 1-0 in the gold medal game to claim the national title.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Laurier Golden Hawks Women's Hockey
The Laurier Golden Hawks women's hockey team was perfect for the month of November, posting a 9-0 record against OUA competition. Their last victory in November came against the No. 7 nationally-ranked Toronto Varsity Blues, a 6-3 win. The Golden Hawks end the month ranked No. 2 in CIS, outscoring the competition 36-9 in nine games and posting four shutouts. Laurier's only near miss was a 4-3 overtime victory over the Guelph Gryphons on Nov. 2. The Golden Hawks finish the first half of the season with a 15-0 record as they gear up for a run at their sixth-straight OUA championship.
October 2008
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
McMaster Marauders Baseball
The McMaster Marauders won their first OUA baseball championship in school history defeating the Brock Badgers 2-1 in Game 2 at Bernie Arbour Stadium in Hamilton and sweeping the best-of-three OUA Baseball Championship series. The underdog Marauders finished the regular season with a 10-8 record and proceeded to knock off the top-two regular season teams in the playoffs. McMaster swept the 11-7 Western Mustangs in two games in the semi-finals, and then defeated the 14-4 Badgers in the championship. Matt Piccini (Mississauga, Ont.) was named the Pizza Pizza Player of the Game in the opener at Brock while Sean Lemon (Mississauga, Ont.) was named the Pizza Pizza Player of the Game in the series clincher game in Hamilton. Chris Piccini (Mississauga, Ont.) was named the MVP of the OUA Baseball Championship Series.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Queen's Gaels Rowing
Queen's captured its fifth OUA Rowing banner in six years and is now a two time defending champion. The Gaels were dominate on the water taking six of eight races and earning seven medals. Highlights included Jenny Hogsden of Waterdown, Ont. and Katya Herman of Sudbury, Ont. claiming two gold medals at the regatta. Hogsden and Herman teamed up in the Women's Heavyweight double while Hogsden earned the women's lightweight single and Hermand took gold in the women's heavyweight single.
September 2008
MEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Guelph Gryphons Rugby
The Guelph Gryphons men’s rugby team burst out of the gate this year, cruising their way to a 4-0 record throughout September and sit atop the West Region standings. The Gryphons kicked off the season with 15-10 win over the Waterloo Warriors in their opening match and followed that up with a 24-8 over the Laurier Golden Hawks. Guelph then traveled to Kingston and defeated RMC 46-21 and finished off the first half of the season blanking Trent with a convincing 75-0 victory. The team has two of the top four scorers in the league including third-year player Sean Gowland (Toronto, Ont.) who leads the OUA in scoring with 45 points already this season. After making a huge leap up the OUA standings last year the Gryphons are riding the momentum into this season and with all 15 starters from last year back, the team has plenty of reason for optimism that their winning ways are going to carry them to the Championships this year.
WOMEN'S TEAM OF THE MONTH
Guelph Gryphons Rugby
The Guelph Gryphon women’s rugby team has dominated the 2008 season so far with a perfect 4-0 record and sits atop the Russell Division. Outscoring their opposition 192-7 so far this season, the Gryphons have proved their offensive scoring touch. Even more important, the Gryphons have demonstrated their defensive supremacy, allowing only one try scored against them in four games. Individually, five Gryphons sit in the Top 10 scoring leaders. Brittany Benn (Napanee, Ont.) and Brittany Sammut (Belleville, Ont.) are the number one and two scorers in the league with 45 and 35 points respectively.
*All Pizza Pizza Teams of the Month receive a pizza party for their team*