By Reegan MacAulay
In an eventful conclusion to October for the Holland Hurricanes, multiple teams saw their seasons end in disappointment while others began theirs with plenty of success, including a perfect weekend for the women’s and men’s volleyball and basketball teams.
Here’s what happened for Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA), Atlantic Football League (AFL), and Atlantic Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) competition between Friday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 27.
Women’s Soccer
The women’s soccer Hurricanes were unable to defend their regional crown at the 2024 ACAA Women’s Soccer Championships at Crandall University in Moncton, N.B., losing to the University of King’s ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ (UKC) Blue Devils in semifinal extra time 4-2 on Saturday.
Ahead of the championships, three Hurricanes were named to 2024 ACAA Women’s Soccer All-Conference Teams. Rookie midfielder Karissa George (New Glasgow, N.S.) and fourth-year midfielder Hayden Chaisson (St. Louis, P.E.I.) were awarded First Team honours while rookie defense Georgia Doucette (Charlottetown, P.E.I.) and rookie midfielder Matsuri Sako (Kiyosu, Japan) were awarded Second Team honours.
A wild match on Saturday saw Holland get on the board first with a goal by Chaisson in the 26th minute. The Hurricanes held a 1-0 lead until the 51st minute when Hannah MacDonald responded with an equalizer to tie the game. Neither team could get on the board through regular time, forcing extra time.
In the 94th minute, Faye Little gave the Blue Devils their first lead of the game, but Chaisson scored her second goal of the game eight minutes later to tie things up once again. Three minutes later, UKC regained control with another goal by Little, and a later goal by Callie Jurman in the 112th minute sealed the deal for UKC to move on to the finals, which they ended up losing against the Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) Mystics on Sunday.
Chaisson was named Holland’s Player of the Game.
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Men’s Soccer
While the men’s soccer Hurricanes didn’t qualify for the playoffs, two Hurricanes were named to 2024-25 ACAA Men’s Soccer All-Conference Teams.
Rookie forward Chad McNally (Truro, N.S.) was awarded First Team honours while second-year defense Colby Munro (New Glasgow, P.E.I.) was awarded Second Team honours.
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Women’s Rugby
The women’s rugby Hurricanes were also unsuccessful in defending the ACAA championship, losing a close semifinal match against the Mount Allison Mounties 21-12 at the Alumni Field in Sackville, N.B. on Sunday.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, three Hurricanes were named to the 2024-25 ACAA Women’s Rugby All-Conference Team, including second-year back row/centre Annik Whiten (Charlottetown, P.E.I.), second-year hook/prop Asher Lake (Truro, N.S.), and rookie fly-half Olivia Lea (Cornwall, P.E.I.). Lea was also named the 2024-25 ACAA Women’s Rugby Rookie of the Year.
The game started with the Mounties taking a 7-0 lead, but a try by Lake closed the gap to 7-5. Mount Allison pulled ahead to lead 21-5 at halftime. In a hard-fought effort by Holland, which included a try by third-year centre/wing Madeline MacDonald (Souris, P.E.I.) and a conversion by Lea, they couldn’t match the strength of the Mounties, who secured their spot in the championship game against the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Reds next Sunday, Nov. 3.
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Cross-Country Running
The women’s and men’s cross-country running Hurricanes wrapped up their 2024 season with solid results at the 2024 ACAA Cross Country Running Championships hosted by Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ at the Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park in Brookvale, P.E.I. on Saturday.
For the women, Shea Carefoot was the highest-finishing individual runner in eighth, with Katie Astley finishing second-highest in 13th, and Louisa Luice-Mackula-Theriault finishing third-highest in 22nd.
The men tied for fourth overall in team results with the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus (Dal AC) Rams, with Max Lahey being the highest-finishing Hurricane in 10th, Theo Nketsiah finishing second-highest in 20th, and Sam Hulan finishing third-highest in 23rd.
Mount Allison went on to win the women’s team event, while Crandall took home the trophy for the men.
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Football
The football Hurricanes had their 2024 season conclude with a tough 38-20 loss to the UNB Reds at the BMO Centre in Fredericton, N.B. on Saturday.
UNB had a fiery start offensively, going up 7-0 just minutes into the match with a rushing touchdown and successful PAT. Things remained stable until the closing minutes as a throwing touchdown and good PAT gave the Reds a 14-0 lead going into the second quarter. The lead was extended to 21-0 just past halfway through quarter two thanks to another throwing touchdown and successful PAT. With 2:48 remaining, Holland finally found offensive momentum, as fourth-year quarterback Hunter Prus (Bedeque, P.E.I.) connected with second-year receiver Wolf Sym (Tillsonburg, Ontario) for a throwing touchdown and a good PAT. The momentum was later scorched by a rushing touchdown and PAT for the Reds, making it 28-7 at halftime.
An early touchdown by UNB in the third quarter made the score 35-7. The Hurricanes struck back with a touchdown and PAT by Aaron McCardle (Kinburn, Ontario). Early in the fourth quarter, a field goal by UNB gave them a 38-14 lead, but minutes later, Prus scored another touchdown to make the score 38-20. Unfortunately, Holland couldn’t mount any more momentum within the final 10 minutes, sealing the deal for the Reds to advance to the AFL Championship Game.
The Reds will face the Dalhousie Tigers next Saturday in the Championship Game in Halifax.
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Women’s Volleyball
The women’s volleyball Hurricanes couldn’t have asked for a better start to their 2024-25 season, scoring back-to-back straight-set wins against the Crandall University Chargers at the McMillan Centre on Saturday and Sunday.
Both games were equally close matches, with each team swapping points back and forth, but Holland found a way to take the victories.
Head coach Craig Hoskins preached for the massive crowd on both days providing a boost to overall team morale and confidence. “I was impressed by the amount of support we had from the community and from the student body,” Hoskins said. “I found for the home opener, in the years I’ve been here, it’s been the biggest crowd we’ve had, so it was nice to see everybody out.
“Winning both matches 3-0 is a great way to start. I think the league this year is going to be really tight and anybody’s game at any time, so when you can win in three, rest your extra players, and get out of there as quickly as possible, it’s always a bonus.”
On Saturday, early in the first set, the Hurricanes went up 3-0, down 6-5, and up 14-9 ahead of a Chargers timeout. The timeout was unsuccessful off the get-go as Holland went up 20-15, but a quick two points by Crandall forced a timeout the other way. The Hurricanes soared past the Chargers in set two, going as high as 19-9, but closing the set up 25-17 due to a late surge by Crandall. The third set came down to the wire, with each team calling a timeout, but Holland barely sealed the deal with multiple late points for the set and game win, including a service ace by rookie setter/libero Marissa O’Donnell (Fredericton, N.B.).
On Sunday, the first set was an exact replica of what happened on Saturday; Hurricanes go up, Crandall calls a timeout. The Chargers had to call another one when Holland went up 17-9, and later claimed the set 25-16. Multiple timeouts were called in the second set as the back-and-forth action continued, with the Hurricanes having the stronger ending 25-18. Crandall had a terrific start to the third set, going up 14-13 until a Holland timeout gave the Hurricanes momentum to soar to a 25-20 set win and overall game victory.
Fourth-year left-side Morgan White (Charlottetown, P.E.I.) had a fantastic weekend with 19 kills and 12 digs overall. Fourth-year left-side Jenna O’Neill recorded 12 kills and nine digs, third-year right-side Charlotte Sweetapple (Corner Brook, NL) added 12 kills and six digs, and second-year setter Hannah Power (Corner Brook, NL) scored 52 assists, 10 digs, and two kills.
Hoskins found it hard to specify standouts from the weekend overall but for a positive reason. “The problem we have this year is we have a very deep bench,” he said. “It’s a good problem for a coach. I’d say most of our players could probably start on other teams.”
Jamie Spencer (Fort Frances, Ontario) had a strong start to her ACAA career after transferring over from Ontario University Athletics (OUA). Hoskins discussed her transition into a new position with the Hurricanes. “She came in and played well off the bench,” Hoskins said. “She played middle in Ontario but we moved her to the left side. It’s a transition for her, but she did great out there.”
Coach Hoskins hopes to see his players improve their mental focus and toughness. “Sometimes, we got a little lead and got too comfortable with that and left the foot off the gas. I want more of a killer instinct where we’re not letting teams back into the matches when we don’t have to,” Hoskins said.
The Hurricanes will return to action next weekend for another pair of home games at the McMillan Centre. The 2-0 St. Thomas University (STU) Tommies come to town on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m., while the 0-2 Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) Mystics visit Charlottetown on Sunday at 1 p.m.
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Men’s Volleyball
The men’s volleyball Hurricanes also had a sensational start to their 2024-25 season, sweeping the men’s Crandall University Chargers in a Friday and Sunday doubleheader at the McMillan Centre.
Friday’s match was the closest of the two; each team swapped set victories, with Holland taking set one, Crandall winning sets two and three, the Hurricanes keeping the game alive in set four, and hanging on in the fifth and final set. Sunday’s game was just as intense and inconsistent but Holland proved to have a better clutch performance.
Head coach Brett Butler said the team took control of their home court and had the 2025 ACAA Championships in mind as they will be hosting them in February 2025. “We have to get used to playing tough games (at the McMillan Centre), especially with Friday being five sets. We need to learn how to win those fifth ones, so it was a good weekend to start.”
On Friday, the Hurricanes had a monstrous start, going up 18-8 amid two timeouts by Crandall and eventually securing the first set 25-15. The second set saw the Chargers put in a better effort, barely hanging on 25-22. They continued the momentum in the third set, forcing two Holland timeouts in the midst of going up 19-13. The Hurricanes fought back but not hard enough, losing the set 25-21. A poor fourth set beginning was turned around as they went from down 4-1 to up 17-9, and held on to the end albeit a strong Chargers effort. Holland came out better in the fifth and final set, taking 6-2 and 11-5 leads and eventually hanging on to win 15-8.
On Sunday, the first set saw an intense battle in the early stages, but Holland had a strong middle portion, going up 19-10 ahead of a Chargers timeout and hanging on 25-17. Crandall proved better early in the second set, with things coming down to the wire at a 20-20 score. After another Chargers timeout, Holland picked back up and stole the set 25-22. The Hurricanes went up 10-5 in the third set ahead of yet another Chargers timeout and ran away after that, utilizing energy from the home crowd and taking advantage of a tired Chargers squad en route to a 25-12 set win and overall game win.
Left side Carson Gray (Stratford, P.E.I.) did what he does best in his first game of his third year with the team, recording a total of 35 kills and 18 digs and leading the squad to victory twice both offensively and defensively. Third-year setter Tyler McBride (Oakville, ON) spread the offense well and contributed a whopping 69 assists, six digs, and three kills over the weekend. Third-year left side Jonathan Hyndman (Stratford, P.E.I.) took on the role of substituting for an ill player and capitalized, recording four kills, 10 digs, and three assists.
Butler seeks improved consistency out of his squad coming out of the opening weekend. “We go on some really big plays, then miss a serve after coming out of timeouts. Just little things like that and the focus throughout the full 25 points. STU will be a tough test next weekend, so we’ll get to see where we’re at,” Butler said.
The men will join the women with their own pair of home games at the McMillan Centre next weekend, but instead of playing multiple teams, they will have yet another one-opponent doubleheader. The 0-2 STU Tommies, who defeated the Hurricanes in ACAA semifinal action last season, cross the Confederation Bridge for a 4 p.m. match on Saturday, Nov. 2 and a 6 p.m. match on Sunday, Nov. 3.
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Women’s Basketball
The women’s basketball Hurricanes started their 2024-25 season on a high note with a big 85-69 home-opening win against the defending champions, the University of King’s ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ (UKC) Blue Devils, at the McMillan Centre on Saturday.
The first quarter saw a heavy tilt battle within the first five minutes, with Holland slowly crawling out of the quarter with a 25-15 lead. In the second quarter, things went scoreless for just over a minute until, after a quick point from both teams, the Hurricanes went up 41-18 by the halfway point thanks to multiple layups, free throws, and jump shots. UKC managed a few points in the closing minutes but were not even close to Holland’s level and were down 54-31 at halftime.
The third quarter was relatively quiet in the first half, but both teams picked things back up, especially the Blue Devils, who closed the gap to 69-54 at the end. The fourth and final quarter saw both teams exchange points, but Holland remained superior, hanging on for the game win.
Third-year guard Molly Steadman (Coldbrook, N.S.) led the Hurricanes with 20 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Fellow third-year guard Lauren Armstrong (Canberra, Australia) and fifth-year forward and last year’s ACAA Player of the Year Alexa Rancourt (New Dominion, P.E.I.) each recorded a combined 34 points (34 rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and one steal).
Head coach Chris Connolly said it felt good to be back and playing, especially in front of a big crowd at the McMillan Centre. “Excited about the win and to start the season with one against the defending champions and a very good program. We had great contributions from everybody and our defensive intensity was great right across the board. Our depth right from the start had impacts from everybody. The difference between the first and the second half was how hard we were after the ball, so if we can do that for 40 minutes, we’re going to be pretty tough (in the future).”
The Hurricanes will be back in action next Friday, Nov. 1, as the 1-1 MSVU Mystics pay a visit to the McMillan Centre for a 6 p.m. match.
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Men’s Basketball
The men’s basketball Hurricanes joined the women with their own terrific start to the 2024-25 season, claiming a 104-80 home-opening win against the men’s UKC Blue Devils at the McMillan Centre on Saturday.
While the match saw inconsistencies from each team throughout, Holland showed more flashed of brilliance, and even some resilience in the second half, as fifth-year forward and former ACAA leading scorer Bryce Corless (Quispamsis, N.B.) was ejected after a technical foul, but the team remained strong and held on for the win.
The first quarter was a back-and-forth melee for a while, but just past halfway, the Hurricanes gained momentum and went from a 15-15 tie to leading 33-22 at the buzzer. In the second and third quarters, each team traded points once more, but Holland slowly pulled ahead further with the help of a few three-point jump shots, leading 84-57 going into the fourth and final quarter. The Blue Devils played their best in the last quarter but were unable to pull the gap any closer than 24 points, and Holland held on through a scoreless final three minutes to win the game.
Before his ejection, Corless recorded 13 points and added six rebounds, three steals, and one assist. Second-year guard Aaron Simmons (Nassau, Bahamas) led the Hurricanes with 24 points and added five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block. Other heavy contributors were second-year guard Michael Surur (Calgary, Alberta), third-year guard Spencer Rossiter (Summerside, P.E.I.), and second-year guard Jaidon Martin (Toronto, Ontario), who totalled 47 points combined.
Head coach Tim Kendrick said moving the ball was the key to success. “It was great to play at home first and get off to a good start. Once we got it in our heads to keep the ball moving, the win was a possibility. We had to make sure to keep it moving. The thing I like about our group is that they bring the right attitude every day to practice and they work very hard and play very hard. I feel very confident in anybody we throw out there. Bryce’s ejection didn’t slow us down.”
Kendrick noted that required improvements for the future include fewer turnovers, better shots from the final line, and a tougher defensive effort.
Just like the women, the men will also play the MSVU Mystics at the McMillan Centre next Friday, Nov. 1, with their match at 8 p.m.
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Women’s Hockey
The women’s hockey Hurricanes came out of their 2024-25 ACHA season-opening weekend with two of a potential four points against the Acadia University Axewomen in a rivalry doubleheader at the Eastlink Centre.
After a dismal 2-0 loss on Saturday to start the weekend, the squad showed incredible progression on Sunday and put on a game for the ages against the team who they’ve defeated for the regional championship two years in a row. Second-year forward and captain Kristyn Taylor (Summerside, P.E.I.) scored the game-winning goal in a thrilling overtime period, a first for the league after using ties at the end of regulation since the league’s inauguration, to give the Hurricanes a 3-2 win, their first of the season.
It was an eventful weekend for Taylor as she went with the women’s soccer team to Moncton, N.B. for ACAA semifinal action on Saturday, and right after they lost, she returned home in time for Saturday’s game and then went on to claim the overtime winner and two assists on Sunday. “I was pretty excited to come back and play hockey and finish off the weekend with a win,” Taylor said. “It was great to see (Cassie) Gordon get the assist and we connected pretty well. Also being the captain (for the first time) was a big role; I made sure to keep the girls going and in the game.”
Rookie forward Cassie Gordon (Murray Harbour, P.E.I.) recorded her first two career goals in the third period and helped Taylor win the game in overtime. “It was a really good experience,” Gordon said. “Obviously new to me but I’m glad I got to come out and have a presence early (in the season). It was great to play with her (Kristyn); she was always there making plays, which made it easy for me to bury (the puck) in the net.”
Head coach Matt Carter said the team did a lot of good things over the weekend, especially in the Sunday rematch. “Yesterday (Saturday) was not the outcome we wanted, but we regrouped, came back today (Sunday), pushed the pace a little bit, and shot the puck more. (Cassie) Gordon and (Kristyn) Taylor bought into what we wanted them to do, played to their best potential and got rewarded three times.”
On Saturday, the game started at a steady pace, but a Hurricanes penalty halfway through the first period gave way to the Axewomen taking control of the game, starting with a power play goal by Caroline Steeves. Early in the second period, Grace Smith added another power play goal for Acadia, and the Axewomen held on the rest of the way while Holland battled more penalty trouble.
On Sunday, a speedier and more offensive Hurricanes squad came to play, albeit being down two key players, Bri Hughes and Emma Parsons, due to a scheduling conflict with ACAA women’s rugby playoff action. Holland kept things tight until the Axewomen got on the board first for the second game in a row in the closing minutes, as Jenni Simpson fired a shot into the top corner. The second period was a back-and-forth duel which went scoreless.
In the third period, the Hurricanes finally got the offensive break they needed, with Gordon scoring a rebound goal with 14 minutes remaining. Three minutes later, she collected a behind-the-net feed from Taylor and fired the puck low far-side to give Holland a 2-1 lead. Another three minutes later, however, Gracie Somers tied the game with a top-corner shot. Neither team could retake the lead toward the end of regulation, forcing an overtime period. In a heavily dominated extra frame by the Hurricanes, rookie defenseman Ella Marshall (Bridgetown, N.S.) fired a shot which deflected off an Axewomen player and to a wide-open Taylor, who was denied at first by goaltender Emily Ritchot, but a jam-in rebound barely snuck underneath her and into the net, giving Holland the win.
Fourth-year goaltender Emma Arsenault (Searletown, P.E.I.) started both games for the Hurricanes, going 1-1-0 and recording a total of 80 saves on 84 shots. Paige Mather claimed the shutout win for Acadia on Saturday, denying all 17 of Holland’s shots, while Ritchot stopped 40 of 43 shots in her Sunday loss.
The Hurricanes will take about a month off ahead of their next doubleheader, which will be, again, against the Axewomen, with this one occurring at the Andrew H. McCain Arena in Wolfville, N.S. on Saturday, Nov. 23 and Sunday, Nov. 24.
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