Marauders head into holidays riding successful first half

It's been a successful few months for Marauder athletes – and the year is only half
over.

From cross-country runner Jessica Pearo's undefeated season, which included gold
medals at both the provincial and national levels, to the men's lacrosse team, which
went on a late season run and ended up winning its second Baggataway Cup national
championship, the season has had a number of high points.

“It's been a very good year so far for Marauder sports,” said Jeff Giles, director of
athletics & recreation. “We have an incredibly dedicated group of student-athletes at
McMaster and we should be proud of everything that they have accomplished.”

In addition to her perfect season, Pearo, along with fellow runner Victoria Coates, was
named an All-Canadian after helping the Marauders clinch a program-high second
place both provincially and nationally.

The men's rugby team topped Ontario University Athletics (OUA) in November, beating
a previously undefeated Western 20-17 in for their sixth championship in ten years.
The team also had impressive representation on the OUA All-Star team, with five
McMaster players making the cut, including championship game MVP Shawn Windsor.

The women's soccer and rugby teams both finished fourth overall in the OUA and
despite both teams missing medal contention, they received several major awards.
Natasha Turner was named rugby's Russell Division MVP, in addition to being named an
All-Canadian. Claire Lockhart received the Russell rookie of the year award, and head
coach Sandro Fiorino won his third coach of the year title in six years. Richard Barnett,
women's soccer coach, was also named OUA West division coach of the year.

The Marauders football team also had a strong season, finishing 6-2-0 for third place
in their conference. After defeating the defending Vanier Cup champions, Queen's, in
the OUA quarterfinals, McMaster lost the semifinal game 34-28 to the Western
Mustangs, who moved on to capture the Yates Cup. Centre Justin Glover was named to
Canadian Interuniversity Sport's All-Star team, and ten other football Marauders were
named to the OUA first- and second-team all-star squads.

Term two will see, among others, the men's and women's volleyball teams, which both
sit at second place in the OUA, as well as the men's and women's basketball teams in
action.