Lonson, Matsukubo, Metaj named OUA athletes of the week

Graphic on predominantly blue background featuring action photo of Brock Badgers women?s hockey player Kennedy Lonson, Ottawa Gee-Gees Jenna Matsuko and Ontario Tech Ridgebacks Erion Metaj along with the OUA Athletes of the Week logo and large white 'Athletes of the Week' text in the lower third
November 4, 2024

Burlington, Ont. – Kennedy Lonson, Jenna Matsukubo, and Erion Metaj have been named OUA athletes of the week for the period ending November 3, 2024. 

Kennedy Lonson, Hockey, Brock Badgers

Lonson, a first-year goaltender, turned in an impressive performance between the pipes for the Brock Badgers as they defeated two nationally-ranked teams last week. In just her second career OUA start, the business student turned away 22-of-23 shots to help lead the Badgers to a 5-1 victory over the No. 4 Toronto Varsity Blues on Thursday night.

Two days later on Saturday, Lonson was at it again, steering away 30 of the 31 Waterloo Warriors shots she faced to help backstop the Badgers to a thrilling 2-1 win over the No. 8 ranked team in the nation.

Over the two games, the Maple Ridge, B.C. delivered a 1.00 goals against average and a .963 save percentage. 

Jenna Matsukubo, Soccer, Ottawa Gee-Gees

Matsukubo once again had a key impact in an OUA championship win for the Gee-Gees. Repeatedly a thorn in Nipissing’s side throughout the banner season finale, the medicine student created pressure with her speed on the wing all game.

The fifth-year Ottawa native’s run into the box in the 40th minute led to a penalty kick that put the Gee-Gees up 2-1. In the second half, Matsukubo scored in the 64th minute to break a 2-2 tie and give Ottawa a lead they wouldn’t relinquish to earn their third consecutive OUA title and 12th in team history.

Erion Metaj, Soccer, Ontario Tech Ridgebacks

Metaj helped the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks make history.

He netted two goals in the Ridgebacks’ 2-1 win over the York Lions to capture their first OUA men’s soccer championship. The third-year defender got Ontario Tech on the board early, just seven minutes into the game, off a beautiful cross by his teammate. His second goal came just before the half to extend the Ridgebacks’ lead to two.

The Whitby, Ont. native’s two goal advantage held strong until York scored in the 73rd minute, but on the back of Metaj’s brace, Ontario Tech held on to claim their first ever OUA title in men’s soccer.