For the first time in CIS play, it was an undefeated weekend at home for the Cougars. They battled through the cold, blizzarding flurries and the retro jersey comeback to claim the 4 points!
Saturday was the first match day where the MRU Cougars were set to take on the University of Manitoba Bisons. Despite a calm morning, a wild snowstorm started right before the team was set to warm up. The game ended up being delayed an hour and a half after much discussion between coaches, officials and CIS big wigs. After much hard work and dedication from the adoring fans and parents, the field was shoveled clean and the game went on! It was a wet, slippery and disorganized match right from the get go as both teams battled to make simple passes and keep possession. Kinzner was first on the sheet with a low volley off of a free-kick to make it 1-0 for the home squad. Minutes later, Manitoba tied it up with a scramble around the net. The score was 1-1 at half and ended this way after full time.
The Cougar’s next challenge was the University of Winnepeg Wesmen, who are also in their first CIS season this year. As the forecast was not looking any better for Sunday’s match, it was decided that the game was to be played at MRU’s past ACAC rival, SAIT’s nearby turf facility as a turf field was thought to potentially improve playing conditions for this show down. Also to th Cougar's dismay, the navy jerseys are missing! Thus, the retro-jerseys returned as the Cougars rocked 1980's Mount Royal College jerseys, complete with collar paired, with mens shorts- it was a fashion statement for the books.
The game began slow as the Cougars struggled to keep possession in the wet conditions and against the Wesmen’s strong midfield. Valadao was first on the board with her first CIS goal in the first half when she launched the ball from outside the box over the keeper’s head. Hodl and Lockhart both added goals in the second half after a serious offensive half from the Cougar’s squad- outshooting their opponents 10-1 in the second half. The Cougars took their first win after a long hard first season in CIS. The back 4 and keeper Marklund stayed strong to help earn the Coug’s first clean sheet of the league play! It was more than simply a win for 5th year player Janelle Carbert as this game was her last as an MRU Cougar. With only one graduating player, the Cougars look to build on this small success and come back stronger than ever next year! Finishing in 10th place, the Cougar’s placed higher than their fellow league newcomers UNBC and UofW, great season Cougs!
**entry provided by 5th year Janelle Carbert
