Here’s a look at the standout players, pivotal moments and achievements that made the 2024 fall season memorable.
For women’s soccer, the Laurier team started their 2024 season with a 3-0-2 unbeaten streak. However, their momentum came to a halt on Sept. 20 with a 1-0 home loss to the McMaster Marauders. The team wrapped up their campaign on Oct. 12 with a 1-1 draw against the Windsor Lancers, securing a 3-5-4 record and finishing sixth in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) West Division. Ashley Graco earned the OUA West Rookie of the Year award. Graco contributed a goal and an assist while only missing 12 minutes the entire season. Midfielder Samantha Murphy and striker Sasha Marikano were both recognized as OUA West Division First-Team All-Stars, while defender Tamara Lisser earned a spot on the Second-Team All-Star list.
The Hawks began the playoffs on Oct.18 in a rematch against McMaster. The match extended into double overtime with Laurier falling 2-1 and bringing their season to a bittersweet close.
For men’s soccer, the Laurier team kicked off with a 2-1 road win against the Brock Badgers, powered by goals from George Kirio and Adriano Colangelo. Throughout much of the season, the Hawks maintained a 0.500 record, staying in the playoff mix as they approached an important final weekend. The team wrapped up their season with two strong wins against the Windsor Lancers to secure a plus 0.500 record of 6-5-1 going into the 2024 playoffs. They finished fourth in the OUA West Division.
The Hawks hosted the Guelph Gryphons in the opening round of the playoffs on Oct. 19 at Ansley alumni field. After the game was tied, the Hawks suffered a 6-5 loss in penalties, putting an end to their season. Second year forward Adriano Colangelo led the offense with three goals and an assist over 12 games. Goalkeeper David Carano started 11 matches and recorded a 0.703 save percentage.
First-year standouts Andrea Chiechi and Yusef Rehman each contributed two goals to the Hawks’ campaign. With a solid foundation of young talent, the Golden Hawks are well-positioned to build on their 2024 campaign.
The women’s rugby team kicked off their 2024 campaign on Sept. 8 at University Stadium, facing the Western Mustangs in a tough home opener. The Hawks struggled, losing 44-7. The team struggled all season but experienced a breakthrough on Oct. 4 with a 25-15 win against Trent on the road.
Second-year standout Abby Byers’ season-long impressive performances earned her a spot as a 2024 OUA Women’s Rugby Second Team All-Star. This year, the team is preparing to say goodbye to four seniors: Caitlin Aseerwathan, Janeen Burke, Madi Duffy and Jaylyn Kirwan-Moorman. Their departure opens the door for the younger players to take on greater roles as the team rebuilds.
The Golden Hawks Men’s rugby team concluded their season with a 1-5 record in OUA conference play, finishing ninth in the standings and narrowly missing out on a playoff berth. The campaign began with a heartbreaker on Sept. 15, as the Hawks fell 22-24 in their home opener against the Western Mustangs.
Road struggles persisted throughout the season, with the team going 0-3 away from home. The Hawks found redemption on Oct. 12 in Waterloo. In a dominating 78-10 victory over the McMaster Marauders, the team displayed its full potential. The win was not only the Hawks’ first conference victory but also a high note to cap their season at home.
Three players earned recognition as OUA second-team all-stars: Second-year prop Alex Levia, second-year hooker Joe Aceti and first-year fullback Tejpal Sangha.
The emergence of a strong and motivated young core signals a promising future for the Golden Hawks. As the Golden Hawks reflect on their 2024 fall campaigns, each team showcased moments of resilience and talent that provide a foundation for future success.
With standout individual performances and promising young players, the stage is set for continued growth and achievement in the seasons to come.
Photo by Jasmine Abel. Laurier vs. Windsor on Oct. 9, 2024.
