Three Laurentian University varsity squads will hit the road this weekend to defend the honour of the school.
The men's and women's soccer clubs will travel to Peterborough
for matches against Trent University on Saturday, while the
women's cross-country running team heads down to Mount Morris,
New York, for the Geneseo Invitational.
Cross-country
The Lady Vees shook the ground last week at the University of
Western Ontario Invitational, claiming fifth spot at the
meet.
The squad was propelled by the performance of veteran runner
Leila Angrand, who took second place, just missing first by a
few inches.
The team is looking for similar success in Mount Morris.
"Our squad has worked very hard in the off-season and our early
results reflect it," said head coach Dick Moss. "The key for us
will be maintaining our training intensity, while keeping
everyone healthy. We aren't a deep team and even one injury
could really hurt us. The Geneseo Invitational...should be a
competitive race, with 22 teams from four states and Ontario.
The girls are looking forward to mixing it up with some runners
from south of the border."
Angrand, Lindsy McNicoll, Kirsti Dolson, Marnie Smith, Caitlin
Tino and Meghan Juuti have all stepped up their game.
"Leila had her best summer of training...when she's injury
free, she's one of the best runners in the CIS. Lindsy is
looking fit and her Top-14 finish at Western was a huge
improvement from her 82nd place finish last year. Kirsti
started aggressively and it paid off...she ended up being our
third place runner. Marnie, Meghan and Caitlin all ran as a
team at Western, which is a great sign and will elevate their
performances as the season progresses."
Women's soccer
The Lady Vees don't take things for granted. Despite rolling
into Peterborough this weekend to take on winless Trent
University, the team is all business because taking any
opponent lightly in the OUA always proves costly.
"Trent will not be easy," said head coach Rob Gallo. "They're
on artificial turf...we need to get on them early and score. We
will need to control the ball and the game. This is another
must win for us."
The injury bug has sunk its teeth into the roster, taking out
numerous key players. Defender stalwart Melynda Roach is out,
as is Claire Miller.
Top snipers Caitlin Kelly and Erin Wilkes were both lost last
weekend.
Their injuries are considered day-to-day, and the team hopes to
have them back by next weekend.
The women have a record of 3-2-1, good for 13 points and fourth
place in the OUA East Division. Trent has a record of 0-7-1,
good for one point and eighth place.
Men's soccer
The Voyageurs are rolling along, fashioning a five-game
unbeaten streak.
The men's squad is full of character and it's paying huge
dividends.
"Our work ethic has been our strength and a never give up
attitude," said head coach Carlo Castrechino. "Out of our four
wins, three were come from behind victories and it shows this
team has a lot of heart and character. Whoever we dress, can
play at any time. I'm not afraid to put anyone on the
field...we have a deep bench."
Keeping up the success will be no easy chore.
"We need to work hard in practice," said the coach. "I am a
firm believer if you practice hard with the right mentality,
you will play the same way. Trent will be tough...they have
kept every game close. We need to approach the game like we
were underdogs and attack them from the start."
The men sport a record of 4-2-2, good for 14 points and have
them tied for second place in the OUA East Division.
Trent has a record of 2-4-1, good for seven points and fifth
spot in the East.
