Week 7 was a busy one for the Wolves with our soccer teams entering playoff action and our men's rugby team playing their final game of 2024. Both our volleyball teams got their season started on the road against Canadore and our men's basketball team made the short trip to La Cité to start their season against the Coyotes. Here's how it went.
Women's Soccer (7-2-1)
With the regular season completed it was time for the playoffs, but before the action got started, the OCAA announced the 2024 league awards. Our women's soccer team was well represented. Olivia Bradley from Almonte Ontario was named OCAA East defensive player of the year. She was also named to the East 1st All-Star team and All-Rookie team. Kassandra Da Cruz, Samantha Jones, Jasmine Young, Alexandra Aubin and Mercedes Vaninga were all named to the East 2nd Team All-Stars.
On Wednesday October 16th the 3rd place Wolves hosted the 6th place Durham Lords. They say in sports that it is difficult to beat a team 3 times in the same season, and unfortunately for us that proved to be true. It was a back and forth game with both teams trading momentum throughout. The game was scoreless at the half but that would change quickly. In the 48th minute Samatha Jones opened the scoring off a feed from Jordan Blades-McHenry. The Lords answered back with a goal from Sage Thomas-Robert in the 59th. Algonquin got the lead back in the 73rd minute when Jordan Blades-McHenry put one past the keeper, but Durham would once again answer with a goal in the 83rd minute by Chloe Hercia. The Lords took their first lead of the game and their first lead of the season against the Wolves in the 90th minute when Alexis Bayley scored off a feed from Sage Thomas-Robert. Bayley scoring the game winner was fitting for the Lords as she was involved in all 3 goals for her team.
The Wolves fought hard but came up short. It was a disappointing end to an otherwise successful season. Despite the loss the group has a lot to be proud of and have continued to lay a foundation that they will be able to build on next season.
Men's Soccer (7-1-2)
After finishing 1st in the OCAA East, our men's soccer team did very well in the OCAA league awards. The Wolves were named East Champs and East Best Defensive Team. Jeaden Mercure, Cristian Aviles-Molina and Nicholas Parry were named to the East 1st All-Star team. Kerim Tosun, Claude Byilingiro, and Oscar Forward were named East 2nd Team All-Stars. Arebi Halab was named to the East All-Rookie team and last but not least, Angus Wong was named OCAA Coach of the year, an award he credits to his entire coaching staff. This is the first time in his career that Wong has been named OCAA overall Coach of the Year. he was named East Coach of the Year once back in 2022.
On Wednesday, the Wolves took on the Fleming Phoenix in the first round of the OCAA playoffs. Algonquin cruised to a 6 - nil victory thanks to goals by Gersom Dupuy, Claude Byilingiro (2), Jaeden Mercure, Tristan Serra and Arebi Halab. With the win, the Wolves moved on to the ¼ finals where they would host the Fanshawe Falcons (7-3) on Saturday October 19th at the Algonquin Sports Field. The Wolves got off to a slow start and the Falcons took advantage, scoring early in the 5th minute off a corner kick. After the early deficit, Algonquin seemed to find momentum but were unable to score in the first half. The Wolves finally found the equaliser in the 58th minute when Gershom Dupuy scored a header off a Jacob Toste-Gyurik corner kick. Dupuy has been at his best lately scoring big goals in key moments for the Wolves. The game remained tied until the 71st minute when Jaeden Mercure fed Alessandro Vivolo who scored the eventual game winner. The Wolves shut it down from there to punch their ticket to the OCAA Final 4.
Next up for the team is a trip to Toronto where they will take on the Sheridan Bruins on Friday October 25th at 3:00 pm at the Ontario Soccer Centre. A win and they will play for Gold on Saturday and secure a spot in the CCAA National Championship. A loss and they will play for bronze.
Make sure to keep an eye on AlgonquinWolves.com for all the details to come this week!
Men's Rugby (1-4)
Our men's rugby team was in Kingston on Saturday to play their final game of the regular season. It was a must win for the Wolves in order to qualify for the OCAA playoffs. They had a tough task as they were taking on a St. Lawrence Surge team who held the top spot in the East standings. The Wolves put up a fight and were in it in the first half, but unfortunately the Surge took over in the 2nd half on route to a 43 - 5 win. Leon Radaelli scored the Wolves only try.
The men's rugby season has come to an end. It has been a difficult two seasons when it comes to wins and losses, however progress has been made for this young group who continues to gain experience. We are excited to see what the 2025 season will bring.
Men's Basketball (1-0)
Our men's basketball team tipped-off the OCAA season on Saturday on the road against cross-town rival La Cité. These two teams split the season series last year and both were looking to get off to a strong start in 2024. The game was close throughout but a strong 3rd quarter allowed the Wolves to pull away for an eventual 88 - 75 win. 5th year senior Simon Desta had a game high 24 points while shooting 6/12 from beyond the arc. Tesloch Luk had a double-double with 19 points and 12 boards in his Wolves regular season debut. Jevon Westcarth was also in double figures with 17 points while shooting 9/11 from the charity stripe.
The Wolves will take a longer road trip this upcoming weekend when they take on the George Brown Huskies and Centennial Colts on Friday and Saturday in Toronto.
Women's Volleyball (1-0)
Our women's volleyball team is off to a hot start after taking down the Canadore Panthers in straight sets on Saturday in North Bay. This is a promising start to the season for a roster featuring 12 rookies.
Details not available at this time.
The Wolves will be at home for the first time this upcoming weekend. On Friday they will take on the Durham Lords at 6:00 pm followed by a matchup with the Centennial Colts on Saturday at 4:00 pm.
If you plan on coming to the game on Saturday make sure you get your tickets in advance! The Mavericks Volleyball club will be bringing 650 members to the game and we are expecting a sellout at the ARC! Go to the link below to acquire your tickets:
ADMISSION IS FREE FOR ALGONQUIN STUDENTS, SA AND COLLEGE STAFF, ALUMNI AND CHILDREN UNDER 12. ALL MUST ACQUIRE A TICKET IN ADVANCE AT THE LINK ABOVE.
Men's Volleyball (0-1)
Our men's volleyball roster features many new faces this season. We look forward to seeing what this young team can do. On Saturday they opened up their season in North Bay against the Canadore Panthers. The team dropped a 3-1 decision at the hands of Canadore but showed some promising things throughout the game, especially during their 2nd set win.
Details not available at this time.
The Wolves will be at home for the first time this upcoming weekend. On Friday they will take on the Durham Lords at 8:00 pm followed by a matchup with the Centennial Colts on Saturday at 6:00 pm.
If you plan on coming to the game on Saturday make sure you get your tickets in advance! The Mavericks Volleyball club will be bringing 650 members to the game and we are expecting a sellout at the ARC! Go to the link below to acquire your tickets:
ADMISSION IS FREE FOR ALGONQUIN STUDENTS, SA AND COLLEGE STAFF, ALUMNI AND CHILDREN UNDER 12. ALL MUST ACQUIRE A TICKET IN ADVANCE AT THE LINK ABOVE.
As always, make sure to stay tuned to AlgonquinWolves.com for all the details!