The McMaster fast pitch season is in full swing, here is a summary of the team’s results as they’ve progressed throughout the year
The McMaster fast pitch team has kicked off their season, competing in a number of games where they’ve accumulated both losses and wins. In their opening weekend on Sept. 7, the team lost twice against York University, but were able to turn it around as they captured two wins against Queen’s University the following day.
The team went on to face the University of Windsor on Sept. 14 in two back to back games. Despite increasing their roster size to account for the high volume of games, the Marauders were unable to secure a win against the Lancers. The Marauders lost with a score of one to eight in their first game, with the second game seeing the Marauders lose in a one to six scoreline.
Despite increasing their roster size to account for the high volume of games, the Marauders were unable to produce a win against the Lancers.
The following day, the Marauders took on the University of Guelph in another back to back series. The Marauders were able to earn themselves a narrow win in the first match, with a score of eight to seven. The team’s second match would see them lose with a score of three to seven.
The week after, the Marauder's had a packed weekend beginning Sept. 20 when they first faced off against Waterloo, followed by Guelph and Laurier for a total of six games in a three day span.
The first two games against the Waterloo Warrior on Sept. 20 started the weekend off on a high for the Marauders. The team was able to secure two wins against the Waterloo Warriors, first with a score of five to three and the second game finishing with a score of nine to one.
The Marauders then headed to the University of Guelph to face a familiar opponent in another two game series on Sept. 21. The team lost their first game against the Gryphons, but were able to secure a win with a score of five to three during the second game.
To finish their busy weekend on Sept 22, the Mauraders traveled back to Waterloo to face the University of Laurier in a two game series. The Marauders seemingly did not have enough fuel to finish out the weekend on a high, as they lost both games to the Golden Hawks.
The Marauders would seemingly not have enough fuel to finish out the weekend on a high, as they lost in both games to the Golden Hawks.
The Marauders currently sit with a record of six wins and eight losses for this season, an improvement compared to the two wins and 18 losses the team finished with last year. The team will finish their regular season with a two game series against Brock University on Sept. 28 and Sept 29.
After a surprising return to McMaster, Nicolas Dessureault will be completing his final year on the McMaster golf team as he looks to help his teammates and finish strong
During his time at McMaster, Nicolas Dessureault has been a key figure on the McMaster men’s golf team. One of his most notable moments was his performance in the team’s 2022 Ontario University Athletics title win, which saw him shoot much under par helping his team to secure the title.
As Dessureault finished his fifth year of undergraduate studies last year he was unsure of whether he would be returning to McMaster. But the 2024 golf season has seen him return to OUA golf, in his sixth and final year of eligibility.
“So I'm in my sixth year at McMaster, so I did 5 years in undergrad. I did finance with the commerce program and then now I'm doing a one-year master's in financial math. Quite an old guy on the team.” said Dessureault.
The team has also acquired a new head coach. Long time coach John Najev stepped down at the beginning of the season with Ben McFaul replacing him. “We actually have a new coach as well. The players and the coach are kind of asking me a lot of questions, looking for guidance there, which I am happy to provide,” said Dessureault.
We actually have a new coach as well. The players and the coach are kind of asking me a lot of questions, looking for guidance there, which I am happy to provide.
Nicolas Dessureault, golfer
McMaster men's golf team
As Dessureault has settled into this season, he has already made a great performance. He helped the team secure a medal at a Queen’s University showcase, where the team finished in third place overall. Individually, he completed the course at a par of 70 strokes, tying for third place with three other golfers.
Along with Dessureault's veteran skills, there is returning player Matthew Martel alongside him who played with Dessureault last year. Other new and returning players have stepped up this current season.
“There's just so many good players. I think Liam Fernie is a good guy. I think he's one of the guys I can step up in, especially from a leadership standpoint. He's in his second year so he's got a couple more years on the team and I really like his attitude. But you know, there's a good group,” said Dessureault.
As the team continues with their season, they will participate in the Guelph Gryphon's invitational on Sept. 28 before attending the OUA championships from Oct. 4 until Oct. 6.
“This is one where you kind of would like to perform well and would love to win it [the OUA championship] again, but obviously the goal there for us right now I think is just to be what makes nationals. That's the main goal,” said Dessureault.
Along with having aspiring to make this year’s national tournament, Dessureault wants to leave his teammates with wisdom he's gained over his years of playing golf for McMaster.
“I think what I want to leave is, and kind of how I played the last couple years, is just I want to just make sure you have fun. You're here to have fun, don't take it too seriously. Obviously try your best but really have fun and enjoy the moment. It's my last year and before I know it, it's going to be done and it'll be September next year, and I'm going to remember the days when I was playing OUA golf, and now I'm not,” said Dessureault.
I think what I want to leave is and kind of how I played the last couple years is just I want to just make sure you have fun like you're here to have fun . . . try your best but really have fun and enjoy the moment.
Nicolas Dessureault, golfer
McMaster men's golf team
Before Dessureault can fully reminisce on his McMaster golf career, he will have to compete in the OUA championships. He aims to capture another OUA title, rounding out a great career at McMaster.
After falling short to Brock University, the McMaster wrestling team picked up podium finishes at this year's nationals
After the McMaster University wrestling program’s 2022-2023 season, which saw the men and women's team win a national silver and bronze medal respectively, head coach Ahmed Shamiya and his wrestlers had high standards for what they could accomplish this year.
With standout wrestlers such as Serena Di Benedetto, the 2023 Rookie of the Year, and Karanveer Mahil, a first-year U Sports gold medalist, having a year of experience behind them, the team would look to grow and further develop the talent in their roster.
This year's regular season would go smoothly for the Marauders, who gained multiple podium finishes throughout their competitions.
Second-year Irman Kang and fourth-year Macy Malysiak were two athletes who contributed big for the teams. They were able to capture McMaster’s Athlete of the Week accolades during the season’s progression on Jan. 15 and Feb 12. respectively.
As the team approached their OUA Championships on Feb. 10, they would likely have had one major goal in mind. The Marauders were looking to take first place from back-to-back OUA champion Brock University University.
The Marauders were looking to take first place from back-to-back OUA champion Brock University.
This would prove too big of a challenge for the Marauders, as both the men and women’s teams could only capture a silver medal and fall yet again to the Brock Badgers.
After the OUA championships concluded, the Marauders would head to Guelph, Ont. on Mar. 2 to compete in the U Sports national championships.
With gold medal results by second-year wrestler Gregor McNeil and Di Benedetto, the Marauders would round out this year’s competition with a third place finish for the men’s team and a fifth place finish for the women’s team. Second-years Olivia Lichti and Mahil were both able to capture silver medals, adding points to the Marauders' overall scores.
With gold medal results by second-year wrestler Gregor McNeil and Di Benedetto, the Marauders would round out this year’s competition with a third place finish for the men’s team and a fifth place finish for the women’s team.
Despite lower placements in this season's U Sports meet, the Marauders have plenty to look back on and be proud of. For Shamiya, his aim throughout the offseason will likely be to excel even further and increase the team’s form come next season.
Facing tough match-ups with newfound confidence in the playoffs, the Marauders women's basketball team has a promising future ahead of them
The McMaster University women's basketball team's journey through the playoffs was a clear display of the team’s potential to stand toe-to-toe with the country's best. The team was faced with tough match-ups, particularly in their quarterfinal match against the Carleton University Ravens, the top team in the Ontario University Athletics and U Sports, on Feb. 24.
Jenna Button, a player on the women's basketball team, highlighted their increase in confidence throughout the season, a critical factor in their ability to compete at the highest level.
"I truly believe that, even though we are such a young team. We have incredible athletes that put in the work to be able to compete with the top teams in the country. I think [the team’s confidence] will come with a little bit more experience," said Button.
I truly believe that, even though we are such a young team. We have incredible athletes that put in the work to be able to compete with the top teams in the country. I think [the team’s confidence] will come with a little bit more experience.
Jenna Button, Marauders women's basketball team
This faith was not misplaced, as the Marauders demonstrated their capabilities in the tightly contested playoff run against the Ravens.
“They’re a great team. . .So that was obviously a huge challenge for us. Going up to Ottawa as well, it’s a tough gym to play in," said Button.
Despite the odds, the Marauders approached the game with determination.
"We were the underdogs in that game; we had nothing to lose, and we did. We frickin’ gave them a run for their money. . .We stuck with them for three quarters, and then, unfortunately, things didn’t go our way in the fourth quarter," said Button.
We were the underdogs in that game; we had nothing to lose, and we did. We frickin’ gave them a run for their money. . .We stuck with them for three quarters, and then, unfortunately, things didn’t go our way in the fourth quarter.
Jenna Button, Marauders women's basketball team
The 77-94 defeat was a mix of disappointment and pride for the team. However, the season’s overall success and 16-8 record was a testament to the team's resilience and their solid foundation for the future.
Especially in their victory against Wilfrid Laurier University and the hard-fought game against Carleton, the Marauder’s playoff performance highlighted their potential and the bright future that lies ahead.
As they continue to grow and gain more experience, their faith in their ability to compete with any team in the country only strengthens, promising thrilling seasons to come for the women's basketball team.
The Silhouette sat down with Jovan Popovic, the first sitting McMaster Students Union president to be re-elected since the 1980s, to talk about his priorities and plans for the next year and his impressions of the election and voter turn out. Popovic explained that his proposed soup and bread program and planning for the return of homecoming in 2024 will be among his top priorities in the next few months. This election also a 56 per cent increase in voter turn out, as compared to last year, which was the MSU's lowest historical turnout, and while this increase was more than Popovic had hoped for, he noted this is still well below pre-pandemic turnout.
The Asian community is constantly portrayed as high-achievers with innate intelligence but these social constructs come at the expense of their mental well-being. This perception and the pressure to meet society’s expectations harm the mental health of Asian community, while also limiting the resources available to support them.
The Ontario Punjabi Association annual formal occurred this year on Jan. 19 at the Pearson Convention Centre. At the formal, the McMaster Punjabi Association's competitive co-ed Bhangra dance team competed against teams from York University, University of Toronto, University of Guelph, University of Waterloo, Western University, Brock University and the Toronto Metropolitan University. MPA finished in first place and received a cash prize of $1,500.
As playoff season approaches, the Marauders place high atop national rankings in swimming, volleyball and wrestling. The swimming teams finished their final OUA invitational with four medals for the men and two for the women. The men and women’s volleyball placed third and eighth respectively in the national circuit following dominant performances in January. The wrestling program also made waves in U Sports rankings, with the men and women climbing to the third and eighth best spots in the country
After participating in three meets this year, the Marauders' track team gained great results for multiple runners
The Marauders track team kicked off their season on Jan. 12 and 13 in Windsor, Ont. with the Can Am Classic. After a winter break’s rest, the team was able to pick up some great results in the opening weekend.
After a winter break’s rest, the team was able to pick up some great results in the opening weekend.
The weekend saw fifth-year runner Hannah Goodjohn and rookie Samuel Patrick lead the women and men’s side respectively. Goodjohn placed sixth while Patrick finished seventh in their respective races.
As the team headed into their second competition of the season with the Don Wright meet in London, the Marauders kicked their results up a notch. The women’s team clinched a first place finish in the one mile race from third year Victoria Lamb. The men’s team also received a gold medal after first-year Porter Lakhanpal won the 1000m race.
After kicking their season off in such great fashion, head coach Paula Schnurr looks to maintain the team's performance and have them keep up this form. At their most recent meet in Michigan, it appeared that they did just that.
After kicking their season off in such great fashion, head coach Paula Schnurr looks to maintain the team's performance and have them keep up this form.
Taking place in the United States, the Marauders brought a great performance. Lamb was able to take the top spot for the women with a ninth place finish in the 3000m, with the next closest McMaster athlete, Kaitlyn Treleaven, finishing in the 12th spot.
On the men’s side, Noah Mulkewich took the top spot for the maroon and grey following a 12th place finish in the 800m race. Lakhanpal was able to pick up the next highest finish for the men’s team after placing 17th place in the same event.
The team will compete in Boston, Mass. in their next meet from Feb. 8 to 10. They will likely look to keep their results up and continue to grow as the season progresses.
Marauders are in seasoned form as swimming, wrestling and volleyball teams all place in U Sports top ten
On Jan. 31, the McMaster University Marauders announced that the men and women’s volleyball, wrestling and swimming teams all placed in the top ten of U Sports sports rankings.
The men and women’s volleyball placed third and eighth respectively in the national circuit following dominant performances in January. Before splitting a weekend series with the Queen’s University Gaels on Jan. 26 and 27, the men’s team was riding a three game win streak against Western University, Toronto Metropolitan University and the University of Toronto.
Their record of 12-4 sits only one game behind Brock University and the University of Guelph, who are tied for first in the province with 13 wins and three losses.
On the women’s team, the Marauders went almost undefeated in the month before a recent sweep by the Gaels, who took both games against McMaster 1-3 on Jan. 26 and 27. The losses moved their Ontario University Athletics record to 13-3, as they stand third overall in the province behind the Badgers, who have only recorded one loss this year, and the Gaels.
The losses moved their Ontario University Athletics record to 13-3, as they stand third overall in the province behind the Badgers, who have only recorded one loss this year, and the Gaels.
The wrestling program also made waves in U Sports rankings, with the men and women climbing to the third and eighth best spots in the country.
Leading the charge for Marauders, standouts Serena Di Benedetto and Gregor McNeil picked up gold medals in their matches at the Guelph Open on Jan. 21.
Both athletes played key roles as rookies on last year’s rosters, with Di Benedetto winning the OUA Most Outstanding Wrestler and Rookie of the Year award and McNeil picking up the U Sports Wrestler of the Week award on Nov. 16, 2022. They will look to make a big impact at the OUA championships competition on Feb. 10 in Sault Ste. Marie.
Both athletes played key roles as rookies on last year’s rosters, with Di Benedetto winning the OUA Most Outstanding Wrestler and Rookie of the Year award and McNeil picking up the U Sports Wrestler of the Week award on Nov. 16, 2022.
Finally, the women and men’s swimming placed ninth and tenth to round out the rest of the Marauders’ rankings.
The swimming teams finished their final OUA invitational at the University of Toronto on Jan. 21. Rookies Hayden Yeung and Kalen Murray brought home four medals for the men, with Yeung winning the races for the 100 and 50 metre breaststroke races and Murray capturing the silver 200m and bronze 100m backstroke medals.
Mikaela Blake collected the 100 metre fly gold medal while Megan Deering, who picked up the McMaster Athlete of the Week award on Nov. 27, 2023 placed first in the 50m breaststroke race. Currently, Blake, Deering and Yeung are set to qualify for the national U Sports Swimming Championships taking place on Mar. 7 to 9 in Montreal.
After a winter's time off, the Marauders basketball teams have opened the season in great form
Kicking off their season on Nov. 1., both the McMaster University men and women’s basketball teams began their Ontario University Athletics seasons on the right foot against Laurier University. The women’s basketball team was able to pick up a win against the Golden Hawks with a score of 80-75 while the men’s team finished 75-72.
Both teams proceeded to post mixed results with their record throughout the months of November and December. The women picked up a record of five wins and five losses and the men turned in five wins and four losses.
Having very similar records going into the break, both teams likely looked to improve in the second half of the season. With the month of December away from OUA games, the rosters sought to come back stronger after their rest and time away from competitive play.
Having very similar records going into the break, both teams likely looked to improve in the second half of the season.
The teams resumed their season on Jan. 6., facing York University at home in Hamilton. It would seem as though the break did the Marauders well, with both teams chalking up a victory against the opposing Lions.
It would seem as though the break did the Marauders well, with both teams chalking up a victory against the opposing Lions.
The women’s team was able to finish the game off with a score of 82-74. Leading the game in points, fifth-year Jenna Button put together a stellar night, helping the Marauders win while putting up 30 points. Third-year guard Delaney Bourget also chipped in with her relentless work on the defensive end, grabbing down six rebounds to finish the game.
The men’s team beat York with a score of 93-77. Mike Demangus capped off a great team performance, finishing the game with 27 points and keeping in top form as he has been this season. Third-year Elijah Bethune cleaned up defensively with 15 rebounds against the Lions.
As each team heads into the second half of the season, they will look to keep in the form they’ve hit to start the year.
Following a strong start to their season, the women's water polo team hopes to conquer the NCWP Championship tournament for the second year in a row
Beginning their season on Sept. 29, the McMaster University women's water polo team knew they had big shoes to fill; the previous women's water polo team was able to finish in third place in last year's National Collegiate Water Polo championships.
The team has been able to record some great scores thus far. The Marauders won a close 6-4 game against McGill University on Sept. 30 and nabbed an outstanding victory against the University of Guelph on Nov. 12 with a score of 8-1.
The team is made up of predominately first-year players as well as some from other years who are joining for their first season.
“For a large portion of the team, it’s our first year playing on the team. So it's been a harsh adjustment at the beginning. But taking that into consideration, I think we’ve done super well getting to know each other and working as a team to build our offensive and defensive game,” said first-year player Karima Al-Aoussi.
For a large portion of the team, it’s our first year playing on the team. So it's been a harsh adjustment at the beginning. But taking that into consideration, I think we’ve done super well getting to know each other and working as a team to build our offensive and defensive game.
Karima Al-Aoussi, first-year player, women's water polo team
The team also has a new coaching staff this year. Former players Jordan Brydges and Nicola Colterjohn have come back to McMaster to fill the recently vacated coaching position left by Quinn Fairley.
Fairley was a long time coach with the Marauders' water polo program and left a strong legacy after his 26 years coaching the team. He was key part of the Marauders' last NCWP run, helping them win a bronze medal and showing strong support for the women's team.
“We have a new coach as two graduated players, Nicola and Jordan, are coaches now. So it's nice to have players who have played on the team who know how it is and what the other teams are like,” said Al-Aoussi.
Even with these changes, the team is looking to compete in a big way in the upcoming NCWP championship, which will be hosted by the University of Ottawa from Nov. 24 to Nov. 26. Per Al-Aoussi, the team is working to improve their weaknesses, particularly on the offensive end in front of goal.
“I think one of our biggest struggles is our offense. We get the opportunities and we do the work, but we don’t always get that finishing goal,” said Al-Aoussi.
In preparation for the upcoming championships, the Marauders have worked hard in practices to make themselves a stronger unit.
"I think that looking at past games and how we’ve practiced, in the upcoming tournament [the team will] have good results," said Al-Aoussi.
I think that looking at past games and how we’ve practiced, in the upcoming tournament [the team will] have good results," said Al Aoussi.
Karima Al-Aoussi, first year player, women's water polo team
As the season comes to a close, the team along with their coaches hope to finish their season with a strong finish in Ottawa.
Playing at the Burridge Gymnasium, the Marauders grabbed their second OUA win against the University of Toronto after a challenging preseason
The McMaster University men's basketball team started their preseason back in September with three games against teams outside of the Ontario University Athletics league. The Marauders played against the Mohawk College, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Concordia University.
The results from these games showed some inconsistencies in the team, as they finished with a record of one win and two losses. A notable defeat during the team's preseason was against the Concordia Stingers, as in years past the Marauders have consistently been able to beat the Stingers.
The results that came from these games showed some inconsistencies in the team, as they finished with a record of one win and two losses.
The team's up and down form did not stop after these games as the team continued their preseason at the University of Manitoba Bison's tournament where the Marauders suffered three losses and picked up only one win.
Before the OUA season opened, the Marauders suffered another unsuccessful game against Mercyhurst University but they did manage to pick up a win against the visiting University of Calgary.
The Marauders began their OUA campaign against Laurier University, where they played the Golden Hawks on Nov. 1. and picked up a win with a score of 75-72.
In their first OUA home game, the Marauders hosted the University of Toronto and they began a winning streak, beating the Varsity Blues with a score of 78-80.
A few of the Marauder players especially shined in their first game of the season at Burridge. Fifth-year Daniel Graham and fourth-year Moody Qasim tied as scoring leaders, with both players putting down career highs of 16 points. Defensively, fourth-year Nathan Charles cleaned up with three rebounds.
Fifth-year Daniel Graham and fourth-year Moody Qasim tied as scoring leaders, with both players putting down career highs of 16 points.
This is a promising start of for the Maurauders, following their unsteady preseason, and hopefully they are able to keep up their current form as the season continues.
