Thunderwolves varsity women’s soccer team reaches final four for first time in school’s history
NEWS RELEASE
LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY
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Thursday, March 31 was a historic day for the Lakehead University Orillia campus varsity women’s indoor soccer team.
For the first time in the program’s history, and after a season full of adaptation and unexpected challenges brought on by the pandemic, the Lakehead Orillia Thunderwolves secured a final-four finish in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Provincial Championships – a feat that some of the most sought-after programs in the province were unable to achieve.
Advancing to the final four alongside the Thunderwolves were the Humber Hawks, Seneca Sting and St. Clair Saints. The Thunderwolves were certainly up against some tough competition, but represented themselves as tough competitors. Their grit and determination, matched with a deep roster of exemplary skill, established their position in the provincial standings.
In their semifinal match the Thunderwolves were paired up against the highly favoured Humber Hawks – having won the provincial title the last three consecutive seasons. The women showed up ready to play and delivered a performance that astounded the Hawks and their fans.
The Thunderwolves united in what could possibly be the most impressive showing of the tournament, holding the Hawks off for the entire first half of the match. Threatening the reigning champions’ chances at advancing to the finals, the Lakehead Orillia women kept pressure on their opponents and gave their all to the game.
With a couple of strong shots for the Hawks in the second half, Humber pulled ahead and took the lead. Unfortunately, one of Lakehead Orillia’s top scorers this season, Brelyn Bannister, suffered a heel injury in the late stages of the game that left her sidelined for the remainder of the tournament. The Thunderwolves kept strong pressure on the Hawks through the second half, but ultimately fell 2-0 to Humber.
The bronze-medal game would be played against the St. Clair Saints, the same team the Thunderwolves met in their final game of day one.
Feeling positive about their strong showing against Humber, the Thunderwolves took to the pitch in what would be their concluding game of the season, eager at a chance to defeat their rivals and take the bronze. Strong scoring attempts were made by players Tanya Wroblewski and Grace Heywood; however, St. Clair’s defence did not let up to surrender a goal.
Capping off her rookie season, goalkeeper Mikaela Pludra continued to make huge saves that impressed players and spectators alike. Although the Saints managed to find the back of the net on one occasion, the Thunderwolves made sure that remained the lone goal through the match. Though they fought hard to the last second, the women were unable to answer the Saints’ goal and the final score of the match remained 1-0 in favour of St. Clair.
Despite not being able to defeat the Saints this season, the women improved their game with each showing. From 3-0 in Ancaster, to 2-0 on Day 1, and finally 1-0 in the bronze-medal game, the potential of the team continues to grow with each game they play.
While they just narrowly missed a medal position, the team left the Ontario Soccer Centre with all eyes on them as the underdogs that seemingly came out of nowhere to threaten an OCAA provincial medal.
Ranked fourth in the province, the Thunderwolves have officially wrapped up their 2021-22 season. Lakehead Orillia Athletics would like to congratulate the entire women’s indoor soccer team, including the coaching and support team of Marco Moras, Silvo Meridiani, Ian Beattie and Ashley McLetchie, on an incredible and historic season.
For full tournament results and standings can be found at https://ocaachampionships.com/championships/isoc/2021-22/index.
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