MRU sports is back on campus!
The soccer teams began their season with a flurry of matches. For volleyball, basketball and hockey, September was jam-packed with exhibition matches and tournaments, ensuring all players and teams are ready to go when the first regular season match begins this October.
Calgary Journal reporter, Sajan Jabbal, takes a look at the month of September and summarizes how the teams did in the first month of this year’s competition.
Women’s Soccer – Record: 0-5-2
Men’s and women’s soccer are the only sports that are at the height of regular season play. Although the women’s team has not had a great start to this season, there is a lot to be happy about down the stretch.
The offense this season has been a struggle, with the team only able to score one goal so far. They have only been able to muster an average of 10.3 shots per game — the lowest in the Canada West Prairie division.
The defense and goaltending has picked up the slack, only letting in 10 goals, which is the fourth best in the division.
Goalkeeper Katrina Greenly has been outstanding between the sticks, making a total of 47 saves with an amazing save percentage of 0.829 so far this season.
The Cougar’s final regular season game takes place on October 19 where they go up against the University of Winnipeg.
Men’s Soccer – Record: 7-2-0
Although the women’s side did not get off to a great start, the men’s team has been flying on all cylinders. Ranked #10 in Canada, the Cougars started the season with five wins in a row, including a 5-0 thrashing against hometown rivals, University of Calgary (U of C). First place in the division, they lead Canada West Prairie division in goals with 28, an average of just over 2.5 per game.
First year midfielder Dane Domic has had an amazing start to the season, with seven assists and 12 points, while forward Mohamed el Gandour has been prolific in front of the net, leading the team with seven goals. They play four more games in October, finishing up with another Battle of Alberta against the U of C.
Women’s Hockey – Pre-season Record: 3-3-0
The final pre-season game for the MRU women’s hockey team is complete, and with that, the regular season and the preparation now come to fruition. The team has had an above average pre-season, and will look to improve on their 13 win and 18 loss record from last season.
The MRU women’s hockey team finished their pre-season with a record of 3-3-0, and will hope to improve on their sixth place Canada West finish from last year. Photo Credit: Cougar Athletics
Men’s Hockey – Pre-season Record: 3-1-0 – Regular season Record: 2-0-0
The men’s hockey team has had an outstanding pre-season, only suffering one 3-0 loss to U of C. Their regular season began with two big away wins against last year’s first place team, University of Saskatchewan, which showed two goals and two assists from fifth year forward, Conner Rankin. They are looking to improve their average fifth place finish from last year — these first two regular season games were a big statement to the rest of the Canada West division.
Men’s basketball – Pre-season Record: 2-0-0
The MRU men’s basketball team began their pre-season with two wins over the University of Northern British Columbia. They will play eight more pre-season games in the month of October and will start their regular season against Macewan on Nov.1.
Men’s Volleyball – Pre-season Record: 4-4-0
The men’s volleyball team has had an up and down pre-season, and although they have a losing record, there is much to be happy about. Despite Tyler Schmidt graduating and MRU losing their star player from last season, they have been able to pick up some of the offensive slack and show they are willing to fight this regular season.
Women’s Volleyball – Pre-season Record: 4-1-0
Another great pre-season start for the women’s volleyball team, only suffering one loss against the University of Alberta during their pre-season tournament on the University of Regina campus. They had an average eighth place finish last season with a 12-12 record.If this year’s pre-season is any indication of what is to come, they will definitely look to improve from last year.