Men's Soccer set up an exciting final home weekend playoffs on the line

The Men's soccer team kept themselves within striking distance of the playoffs which will give fans something to get excited for heading into their final home weekend of the season. The Women's team was eliminated from the post season but can finish as high as sixth place in conference as the program continues the rebuilding. For the Men's basketball program it was tough start to competitive action as they dropped a couple of games to some Canada West Competition as they attended the UBC Invitational in Vancouver.

     

Women's Soccer

     

Saturday, October 22, 2011 UPEI 5 – MUN 0

Sunday, October 23, 2011 Dalhousie 2 – MUN 0

     

The Women's soccer team was officially eliminated from the playoffs this weekend but still can finish sixth overall with a strong showing in their final home weekend. On Saturday the fleet of foot UPEI Panthers used their speed and skill to net a 5-0 win over the Sea~Hawks. Although it was not the start to the weekend that the Sea~Hawks had hoped for as they played stride for stride with the first place Panthers. Through the first thirty minutes of play, both teams had balanced attacks with equal scoring opportunities. Second year standout Jennifer Burry was the aggressor for MUN, nearly converting on a scoring chance early. Miscommunication in the backfield led to Sea~Hawks player Jenna Munden taking down a Panthers player in the back corner of the 18 box nearing the end of the first half. The tackle led to a penalty kick for UPEI, resulting in a 1-0 lead over the Sea~Hawks. The second goal of the match came off a rebound from a save from Memorial goalkeeper Keira Eavis.

       

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Down two goals, the Sea~Hawks came out eager to get a marker early to cut the deficit in half. Burry, scoring on a free kick last weekend versus Mount Allison was given the opportunity to make nice on a free kick versus the home town Panthers. Her shot forced the opposing teams keeper to make a sprawling save, keeping the shutout intact. After the near goal by the Sea~Hawks, the Panthers feeling threatened, enforced their game plan and went on to open up the game with three more tallies.

     

In the final Sunday road game of the year the Sea~Hawks were very composed and assertive in their opening half attack. They carried the majority of play but continued to struggle to generate scoring chances. The team was able to withstand an opening flurry of shots and ended the half with a scoreless tie intact. In the second half the Tigers continued to press early and were rewarded by an unassisted effort by Joanna Blodgett in the 55th minute. Ten minutes later and the Sea~Hawks found themselves down by two as a result of some inconsistent play. Coach Walt Mavin although upset with the end result was pleased by the continued development and leadership shown by Co-captain Lauren Windsor. Keeper Keira Eavis had a nice a nice bounce back game in her first back to back games of the season. Eavis's battery mate Simone Quinlan was unable to make the trip as she sustained an injury that kept her from preparing for the weekend.

     

The Sea~Hawks can send a message to their AUS opponents heading into next season during their final home games of the season. The team will be honouring three fifth year players, Maxine Morris, Lauren Murphy, and Co-captain Laura Tilley as they take on the University of Moncton on Saturday at 1:00pm and Sunday at 11:00am down at King George the Fifth. The Sea~Hawks can leap frog the sixth place UNB Varsity Reds and send the statement that the rebuilding of this program is happening faster than planned.

     

Men's Soccer

     

Saturday, October 22, 2011 MUN 3 – UPEI 1

Sunday, October 23, 2011 Dalhousie 2 – MUN 1

     

The Men's soccer team needed to accumulate as many points as they could this weekend to keep themselves within striking distance of the playoffs. On Saturday in the battle of the Islanders the Sea~Hawks were facing the UPEI Panthers. The Sea~Hawks needed to assert themselves early and often and they did. Steven Delong opened scoring in the first half and was followed up by Matt Breen who netted the eventual game winner as UPEI struck back for a goal of there until Rookie forward Jay Wijngaarden of the Netherlands used his quickness to outwork the Panther defender and net yet another exciting strike.

     

On Sunday, Memorial needed another fine effort as they took on the Dalhousie Tigers in Halifax. The Sea~Hawks continued to go winless on Sundays this season but managed to keep pace with the teams ahead of them in the standings. Down a goal after 18 minutes the forwards began to pressure the Tigers and gain some leverage when Jake Warren netted his second of the season in the 41st minute. A slow start in the second half was all Dalhousie needed as Justin Parrott of the Tigers scored his second of the game in the 59th minute.

     

At 3-5-2 the Sea~Hawks have set themselves up for a very exciting home weekend finish. They currently sit just two points out of a playoff spot and for the second year in a row need to win at home to get in. The University de Moncton who is ahead of the men in the chase for the final playoff berth will visit the Sea~Hawks next weekend for a two game set beginning at 3:15pm on Saturday October 29th and 1:15pm on Sunday. For the Sea~Hawks it is as simple a win and tie will get them the sixth and final dance card for the AUS playoffs at Cape Breton in Early November. For fans and players of Sea~Hawks soccer it is gut check time as the Men's team can do what no other men's team has done in over five years, and that is qualify for the post season.

     

Men's Basketball

     

Friday, October 21, 2011 UFV 100– MUN 80

Saturday, October 22, 2011 TRU 90 – MUN 80

     

The Men's basketball travelled to Vancouver this weekend to participate in the University of British Columbia Invitational. Through two games the Sea~Hawks were able to show glimpses of their talent but in this preseason tournament also struggled to fire on all cylinders falling victim to the turn over game.

     

In the first game of the weekend for the Sea~Hawks, they squared off against the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades; a team from Chilliwack, BC. The Cascades came out victorious, hauling out a 100-80 win over the Sea~Hawks. The teams were close at half but the Sea~Hawks came out very flat and found themselves on the receiving end of a 12-0 run and ended the game trading baskets in the fourth.

     

After sitting out most of last season due to an injury, Mike Helsby had a good start to the season, scoring 16 points on 7-16 shooting and hauling down 5 boards.

     

Saturday night Memorial matched up against the Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack. The game ended with the Wolfpack edging out the Sea~Hawks 90-80. Chris Kok was the top scorer for the Wolfpack with 25 points, while Jason Shepherd dropped 21 points to lead the Sea~ Hawks and Robbie Habib chipped in with 20. Despite much talk about the lack of 'big man' presence for the Sea~Hawks this season, they held their own in the paint. Memorial showed strong communication and interior defense, holding the opponent to just 28 points in the paint. All things considered, this is quite the feat when looking at the Wolfpack lineup where they have a starting front line of players ranging from 6'6-6'7, and have two twin brothers coming off the bench at a towering 6'10 a piece.

     

The Sea~Hawks were in action again Sunday night at 8:30pm, but stats were not available at time of press.

 

2011 MUN RUN RESULTS

The 2011 edition of the MUN Run re-imagined the original trek of Memorial Students and Staff and Faculty 50 years ago as runners and walkers of all age abilities signed up for the Parade Street to Elizabeth Avenue event. This was the first time the event was a part of the I LOVE MUN days calendar and it helped create some excitement for the only home event to feature the Sea~Hawks cross country runners. The results can be found here.