Sports in brief: Nov. 11

Basketball teams open 0-2
Both of Laurier’s basketball teams had tough weekends as they kicked off their seasons. The women’s team fell 66-55 to the University of Toronto Varsity Blues on Friday and 76-63 to the Ryerson Rams on Saturday.

The men, meanwhile, lost 92-89 in overtime to the Blues on Friday and 77-50 to the Rams the following day.

Cross-country team moves on to nationals
Seven members of Laurier’s cross-country team – Alexander Garriock, Brent Meidinger, Brett Cameron, Colin Yardley, Gary Storey, Jordan Fox, Matthew Robertson and standout rookies Shoaib and Sohaib Ikram – will compete in the national championship at Queen’s university this weekend.

Men’s hockey splits weekend with Lakehead
Over the weekend, the Hawks’ men’s hockey team played the Lakehead Thunderwolves in a pair of road games.

Both contests were high-scoring affairs with the Thunderwolves taking the first game 10-4 and the Hawks winning the second 7-4.

Kitchener Ranger released from hospital
On Saturday, Kitchener Rangers defenceman Ben Fanelli, who fractured his skull after being hit by Erie Otters forward Michael Liambus on Oct. 30, was released from Hamilton General Hospital.

Prior to his release, Fanelli’s condition was described as serious, but stable. The 16-year-old is currently recovering in his Oakville, Ontario home.