October 20, 2022
Banner Season: Trent set to pursue Patterson Cup three-peat at championship weekend
Burlington, Ont. - The pursuit of a Patterson Cup comes to a peak this weekend, as nine teams from across the conference will put their championship aspirations on the line at the 2022 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Lacrosse Championship. The lacrosse contenders will look to leapfrog their competition when round robin play gets underway at the University of Toronto's Varsity Centre on Friday, October 21 and hoist the provincial banner at the championship's conclusion on Sunday, October 22.
Championship Details
When: Friday, October 21 to Sunday, October 22 | FULL SCHEDULE
Where: Varsity Centre (University of Toronto)
Participating Schools (9): Brock Badgers, Guelph Gryphons, McMaster Marauders, Ontario Tech Ridgeback, Queen's Gaels, Toronto Varsity Blues (host), Trent Excalibur, Western Mustangs, Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks
Stream: oua.tv (No. 5v No. 6, Bronze Medal, & Gold Medal games ONLY)
Defending Champions: Trent Excalibur | ALL PAST CHAMPIONS
Student-Athletes to Watch:
Timmia Bomberrry, Western Mustangs | The OUA all-star midfielder and 2022 team captain averaged two goals per game for the Mustangs this fall, while also boasting massive draw control and defensive help in the midfield. Her extensive lacrosse experience, which extends to her role with Team Haudenousanee at the 2022 World Games, the 2022 World Lacrosse Championship, and Super Sixes 2022, has helped set a higher standard for herself and the team.
Rylin Cormier, Toronto Varsity Blues | A second-year standout for the Blues, Cormier brings a year of championship experience to this year's festivities, and although her side failed to advance past the round robin slate, she did come away with a pair of goals across those two games. Beyond her performances under pressure a year ago, the Kitchener, Ont. native also boasts a bit of momentum heading into her second banner season out, having scored goals in four of the team's last five games, including a five-goal outing in their final game against Brock.
Caitlyn Cote, Ontario Tech Ridgebacks | The third-year native of Oshawa, Ont. has been a mainstay on the Ontario Tech scoresheet, continuing what has been an electrifying varsity career thus far. The former OUA rookie of the year and two-time all-star has led the Ridgebacks in scoring during the fall with 35 goals, and will be relied upon for that same scoring touch at the 2022 OUA Championship.
Natalie Fournier, Trent Excalibur | Fournier has grown leaps and bounds over the last year with Trent. She has flourished into a leadership role this year as a second-year student-athlete, thanks in large part to the unique drive that she possesses as a dual-sport athlete (lacrosse and volleyball). With her lock down defence, very little can get through, and her speed and control make her a terrific transition player for the Excalibur.
Kieran Gerow, Trent Excalibur | Coming from Colgate University, Gerow joined the Trent team this year and has brought not only talent and knowledge to the squad, but a large presence on the back line. The biology major has fit in seamlessly with the defending OUA champions and has brought a competitive edge to the program as a natural leader.
Shayla Larson, Guelph Gryphons | Tending the net for the Gryphons is returning starter and the team's 2021 most valuable player. Larson was one of the top goalies in the conference a year ago and performed especially well on the championship stage, where she received player of the game honours for each of the Gryphons' games therein. The Buckhorn, Ont. native's experience and ability to thrive within the banner season setting should help Guelph's chase for hardware this weekend.
Kierra McDougall, McMaster Marauders | The most experienced lacrosse athlete on the Marauders' squad, McDougall has become a staple for the maroon and grey over her five year career at McMaster. The team captain continually emphasizes giving back to her community as a member of Mac Athletes Care and is a coach with the London Minor Lacrosse Association Blue Devils. The London, Ont. native has scored nine goals for the Marauders heading into the 2022 finale and will look to cap off her varsity career in style this weekend.
Brooke Rutledge, Queen's Gaels | A sophomore from Melancthon, Ont., Rutledge has been one of the Gaels' leading scorers each of her two seasons with the team. The dynamic midfielder contributes in every aspect of the game and has carried on the momentum from her all-star caliber foray onto the OUA season in 2021, a year in which she scored 29 goals in 10 games.
Jaedyn Smail, Queen's Gaels | Smail is a third-year midfielder for Queen's who contributes all over the field. She is strong on draws, is a top defender, and was third in team scoring this year, netting 24 goals for the Tricolour. With her well-rounded skillset in tow, the Mimico, Ont. native figures to be a key piece of the puzzle for the championship-hopeful Gales.
Storylines to Keep an Eye On:
The Brock Badgers enter championship weekend still in pursuit of their first win of 2022. Although they have had moments of brilliance from some of their young players, including a four-point effort from Mackenzie Shigwadja (St. Catharines, Ont.) in an 8-8 draw earlier this season and an OUA top-five plays of the week effort from Kyla McGuire (Oshawa, Ont.), the team will be in tough this weekend against some of the best in the province. The Badgers will look for an upset along the way, in addition to gaining some valiuable experience for a young team.
The Gryphons are coming off of their best finish at an OUA Championship since 2013, after wrapping up the 2021 conference final in fourth place. They will look to improve even more on that and take a step up onto the podium this time around.
Redemption is on the mind of the Queen's Gaels after they fell just short of their fourth OUA title in program history a year ago. The loss to Trent in that 2021 gold medal matchup has not deterred Queen's in their march toward victory this season; however, as they enter championship weekend having not dropped a match all fall, a streak they will undoubtedly look to uphold this weekend to come away with the coveted Patterson Cup.
The team tasked with first taking on the Gaels is the host Toronto squad, who will be looking to improve on their round robin exit a year ago. Having already faced each other twice in the lead up to the banner season backdrop, the Blues enter as the lone team to earn something other than a loss against Queen's, coming away with a tie in one of their previous matchups. The Gaels got the best of the Blues during last year's event, but with their home crowd cheering them on, Toronto will hope to build on their earlier result and turn the tables this weekend.
A perennial contender come championship weekend, it wasn't long ago that the Trent Excalibur squad was in its early, self-funded stages. The coaches started the team in 2013 as a way to give back to lacrosse and provide a high-performance pathway in the sport for women student-athletes at Trent. Just three years later, the team won their first gold medal, which they have since followed with two more in 2019 and 2021, respectively. The defending back-to-back champions will look to capture the three-peat this weekend and bring that rising Patterson Cup total to four in their program's brief existence thus far.
The two-time defending bronze medalist Western Mustangs enter championship weekend with plenty of confidence, dropping only one game this season (against Queen's), which includes a win over the reigning champion Excalibur. The strong core of returning players has helped set the tone and expectation to win gold this season, especially behind the skill and leadership the London group is bringing to the 2022 OUA Championship, but it has also created impressive depth wherein every player can take care of the ball and put the team's needs ahead of their own.
What They're Saying:
"We are very excited going into our championship weekend. We have a really talented and special group this season, who are prepared to go the extra mile for each other to be successful on the field. As a coaching staff, we are so proud, and in awe, of all the time, effort, and sacrifices this group has made to get here. We can't wait to have a fun weekend on the field." - Liane Chornobay, Head Coach, Ontario Tech Ridgebacks
"OUAs is something we've been preparing for all season and we are more than ready, both physically and mentally. The weekend is going to be a battle and we are going to need to be dialed in and ready to go. I think there is something special about this group and we are more than capable of bringing home a gold medal." - Abby Lee, Student-Athlete, Queen's Gaels
"We have been working so hard this season and I know we are going to absolutely bring it this weekend. We have played in some hard fought games this season and showed our determination and grit through it all. I am so proud to be a part of this team and can't wait to see what everyone brings this weekend. We are ready and have been waiting for this moment since last season. I have no doubt that we have the potential to bring home gold this year." - Kiely Howe, Student-Athlete, Queen's Gaels
"We're all very excited heading into OUA weekend! After two previous third-place finishes at OUAs, there is a powerful hunger amongst all of us to come out giving it all we have and leaving everything out on the field. This year has been unlike any other; our resiliency and the family bond we have created make this team extra special. All of us are dialed in and ready to go, with one goal in mind. All gas, no breaks." - Rachel Reynolds, Student-Athlete, Western Mustangs
Championship Details
When: Friday, October 21 to Sunday, October 22 | FULL SCHEDULE
Where: Varsity Centre (University of Toronto)
Participating Schools (9): Brock Badgers, Guelph Gryphons, McMaster Marauders, Ontario Tech Ridgeback, Queen's Gaels, Toronto Varsity Blues (host), Trent Excalibur, Western Mustangs, Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks
Stream: oua.tv (No. 5v No. 6, Bronze Medal, & Gold Medal games ONLY)
Defending Champions: Trent Excalibur | ALL PAST CHAMPIONS
Student-Athletes to Watch:
Timmia Bomberrry, Western Mustangs | The OUA all-star midfielder and 2022 team captain averaged two goals per game for the Mustangs this fall, while also boasting massive draw control and defensive help in the midfield. Her extensive lacrosse experience, which extends to her role with Team Haudenousanee at the 2022 World Games, the 2022 World Lacrosse Championship, and Super Sixes 2022, has helped set a higher standard for herself and the team.
Rylin Cormier, Toronto Varsity Blues | A second-year standout for the Blues, Cormier brings a year of championship experience to this year's festivities, and although her side failed to advance past the round robin slate, she did come away with a pair of goals across those two games. Beyond her performances under pressure a year ago, the Kitchener, Ont. native also boasts a bit of momentum heading into her second banner season out, having scored goals in four of the team's last five games, including a five-goal outing in their final game against Brock.
Caitlyn Cote, Ontario Tech Ridgebacks | The third-year native of Oshawa, Ont. has been a mainstay on the Ontario Tech scoresheet, continuing what has been an electrifying varsity career thus far. The former OUA rookie of the year and two-time all-star has led the Ridgebacks in scoring during the fall with 35 goals, and will be relied upon for that same scoring touch at the 2022 OUA Championship.
Natalie Fournier, Trent Excalibur | Fournier has grown leaps and bounds over the last year with Trent. She has flourished into a leadership role this year as a second-year student-athlete, thanks in large part to the unique drive that she possesses as a dual-sport athlete (lacrosse and volleyball). With her lock down defence, very little can get through, and her speed and control make her a terrific transition player for the Excalibur.
Kieran Gerow, Trent Excalibur | Coming from Colgate University, Gerow joined the Trent team this year and has brought not only talent and knowledge to the squad, but a large presence on the back line. The biology major has fit in seamlessly with the defending OUA champions and has brought a competitive edge to the program as a natural leader.
Shayla Larson, Guelph Gryphons | Tending the net for the Gryphons is returning starter and the team's 2021 most valuable player. Larson was one of the top goalies in the conference a year ago and performed especially well on the championship stage, where she received player of the game honours for each of the Gryphons' games therein. The Buckhorn, Ont. native's experience and ability to thrive within the banner season setting should help Guelph's chase for hardware this weekend.
Kierra McDougall, McMaster Marauders | The most experienced lacrosse athlete on the Marauders' squad, McDougall has become a staple for the maroon and grey over her five year career at McMaster. The team captain continually emphasizes giving back to her community as a member of Mac Athletes Care and is a coach with the London Minor Lacrosse Association Blue Devils. The London, Ont. native has scored nine goals for the Marauders heading into the 2022 finale and will look to cap off her varsity career in style this weekend.
Brooke Rutledge, Queen's Gaels | A sophomore from Melancthon, Ont., Rutledge has been one of the Gaels' leading scorers each of her two seasons with the team. The dynamic midfielder contributes in every aspect of the game and has carried on the momentum from her all-star caliber foray onto the OUA season in 2021, a year in which she scored 29 goals in 10 games.
Jaedyn Smail, Queen's Gaels | Smail is a third-year midfielder for Queen's who contributes all over the field. She is strong on draws, is a top defender, and was third in team scoring this year, netting 24 goals for the Tricolour. With her well-rounded skillset in tow, the Mimico, Ont. native figures to be a key piece of the puzzle for the championship-hopeful Gales.
Storylines to Keep an Eye On:
The Brock Badgers enter championship weekend still in pursuit of their first win of 2022. Although they have had moments of brilliance from some of their young players, including a four-point effort from Mackenzie Shigwadja (St. Catharines, Ont.) in an 8-8 draw earlier this season and an OUA top-five plays of the week effort from Kyla McGuire (Oshawa, Ont.), the team will be in tough this weekend against some of the best in the province. The Badgers will look for an upset along the way, in addition to gaining some valiuable experience for a young team.
The Gryphons are coming off of their best finish at an OUA Championship since 2013, after wrapping up the 2021 conference final in fourth place. They will look to improve even more on that and take a step up onto the podium this time around.
Redemption is on the mind of the Queen's Gaels after they fell just short of their fourth OUA title in program history a year ago. The loss to Trent in that 2021 gold medal matchup has not deterred Queen's in their march toward victory this season; however, as they enter championship weekend having not dropped a match all fall, a streak they will undoubtedly look to uphold this weekend to come away with the coveted Patterson Cup.
The team tasked with first taking on the Gaels is the host Toronto squad, who will be looking to improve on their round robin exit a year ago. Having already faced each other twice in the lead up to the banner season backdrop, the Blues enter as the lone team to earn something other than a loss against Queen's, coming away with a tie in one of their previous matchups. The Gaels got the best of the Blues during last year's event, but with their home crowd cheering them on, Toronto will hope to build on their earlier result and turn the tables this weekend.
A perennial contender come championship weekend, it wasn't long ago that the Trent Excalibur squad was in its early, self-funded stages. The coaches started the team in 2013 as a way to give back to lacrosse and provide a high-performance pathway in the sport for women student-athletes at Trent. Just three years later, the team won their first gold medal, which they have since followed with two more in 2019 and 2021, respectively. The defending back-to-back champions will look to capture the three-peat this weekend and bring that rising Patterson Cup total to four in their program's brief existence thus far.
The two-time defending bronze medalist Western Mustangs enter championship weekend with plenty of confidence, dropping only one game this season (against Queen's), which includes a win over the reigning champion Excalibur. The strong core of returning players has helped set the tone and expectation to win gold this season, especially behind the skill and leadership the London group is bringing to the 2022 OUA Championship, but it has also created impressive depth wherein every player can take care of the ball and put the team's needs ahead of their own.
What They're Saying:
"We are very excited going into our championship weekend. We have a really talented and special group this season, who are prepared to go the extra mile for each other to be successful on the field. As a coaching staff, we are so proud, and in awe, of all the time, effort, and sacrifices this group has made to get here. We can't wait to have a fun weekend on the field." - Liane Chornobay, Head Coach, Ontario Tech Ridgebacks
"OUAs is something we've been preparing for all season and we are more than ready, both physically and mentally. The weekend is going to be a battle and we are going to need to be dialed in and ready to go. I think there is something special about this group and we are more than capable of bringing home a gold medal." - Abby Lee, Student-Athlete, Queen's Gaels
"We have been working so hard this season and I know we are going to absolutely bring it this weekend. We have played in some hard fought games this season and showed our determination and grit through it all. I am so proud to be a part of this team and can't wait to see what everyone brings this weekend. We are ready and have been waiting for this moment since last season. I have no doubt that we have the potential to bring home gold this year." - Kiely Howe, Student-Athlete, Queen's Gaels
"We're all very excited heading into OUA weekend! After two previous third-place finishes at OUAs, there is a powerful hunger amongst all of us to come out giving it all we have and leaving everything out on the field. This year has been unlike any other; our resiliency and the family bond we have created make this team extra special. All of us are dialed in and ready to go, with one goal in mind. All gas, no breaks." - Rachel Reynolds, Student-Athlete, Western Mustangs
