Men’s Soccer
For both the men’s and women’s soccer teams, October was proof that adversity makes us stronger.
The BU Men’s Soccer team began October in stride and feeling strong but were met with adversity as a team in the latter part of the month, causing them to lose their national top 15 ranking and finish in second place in the MCAC (Manitoba Collegiate Athletic Conference) league. The team and coaching staff had their minds firmly set on making it to nationals from the beginning of the season. When faced with some poor-quality play over several games, they addressed the causes of the situation head-on. They made a strong plan that brought the team together to focus on a team goal and renew efforts to play for one another and for their graduating players.
Entering the playoff weekend (Oct 28th and 29th), the team was forced to adapt as both semi-finals and finals were postponed and moved indoors due to the severe snow and ice build-up on the host university CMU’s soccer fields.
In the semi-final match, BU faced off against the CMU Blazers. Only minutes after the whistle blew, MCAC Player of the Year Camilo Rodriguez put the team ahead, which was later followed by a goal from Matheus Ruffini. Shortly after Ruffini’s goal, the Blazers were awarded a penalty kick, resulting in a goal. However, the Bobcats successfully held on for the entirety of the second half, securing their spot in the MCAC final.
The MCAC men’s final was a hard-fought match between the Bobcats and the Providence University Pilots. Rodriguez scored the lone goal with a penalty kick after a scoreless first half. Bobcat defenders Nathan Chubaty and Victor Lamb, along with the strong performance of their keeper Matheus Souza, shut down all opportunities for the Pilots. This team effort secured the Bobcats their spot at the CCAA National Championship in Windsor, ON, November 8-11th.
League Award Recipients: Nathan Chubaty – True Sport, Zach Wood - All-Conference, Victor Andrade – All-Conference, Camilo Rodriguez – All-Conference and Player of the Year, Matheus Souza – Final Four MVP.
Women’s Soccer
The Bobcats Women’s Soccer team started the 2023 outdoor season with some adjusting to do, as new head coach Orlin Chalmers, as well as former Bobcat Bailee Ploshynski in an assistant coach role, joined Diego Rodriguez Sr. in leading the Women’s soccer program. The Bobcats had early success, and had a shot at entering playoff weekend with the top seat, when they ultimately fell to the Providence Pilots in the final game of the regular season.
The early snow also resulted in an adjustment of time and place for the Women’s team, forcing games to be moved indoors.
The Bobcats were faced against the CMU Blazers in their Semi-Final Game. With early intensity, Kenadie Janzen secured the opening goal, which was later followed by goals from Ashley Robinson, Brogan Henry, Kylie Van De Woestyne, and a second from Janzen. CMU managed to get one on the board with a lone goal off of a free kick. This win was the momentum the Bobcats needed.
The keyword for the Bobcats Women’s Soccer team throughout this outdoor season was grit – the ability to dig deep for 90 minutes to secure a win, and that is precisely what they did in the Finals against the Pilots. Though the Bobcats were in control of the game throughout most of the first half, they let up a corner kick to the Pilots, leaving the score 0-1 at halftime. However, they did not let the score get them down; returning to the pitch for the second half, the bobcats dug deep and played their game. Mackenzie Boyes scored off of a remarkable cross at the start of the second half, which was quickly followed by a strong shot by Janzen to put the Bobcats ahead. This team dug deep for the remainder of the match, not giving any room for the Pilots offence to attack. This grit punched their ticket to the CCAA National Championship in Summerside, PEI, November 8-11th.
League Award Recipients: Molly MacPherson-Blair – True Sport, Ashley Robinson – All-Conference, Brogan Henry – All-Conference, Emilie Dornez – All-Conference, Tarin Ballan – Final Four MVP.
Men’s Volleyball
This October, the Men’s Volleyball team opened their season with a doubleheader against the University of Saskatchewan on October 20th and 21st. The Bobcats came out to play on opening night, but after a long five-set battle, the Bobcats ultimately fell to the Huskies. Saturday, the Bobcats came out looking for a day-two win. They were able to come through with a win in the first set but could not maintain that momentum, losing to the Huskies in four sets.
The Bobcats held their home opener against the University of Alberta the following weekend, and they showed up ready to play! The men defeated the defending conference champs in four sets, dominating the game. Bobcat Paycen Warkentin scored ten kills and seven block assists (0.533 Kill%), while teammate Liam Kindle scored nine kills (0.533 Kill%). However, the following day, the Alberta Bears returned prepared to manage the bobcat attack, defeating the Bobcats in three close sets.
Women’s Volleyball
The Women’s Bobcats are looking to gain their footing under new Interim head coach Kailan Robinson. This October, the Women’s Volleyball team also opened their season against the University of Saskatchewan on October 20th and 21st. Though the first two weekends resulted in losses for the Bobcats, they are excited about the potential they see on the court.
Basketball
Bobcats Basketball season had yet to begin in October, but both teams have been eagerly anticipating the start of the season. The Bobcat's home opening weekend will be Nov 10th and 11th at the Healthy Living Centre.
