By Noel Arnason
Playoffs are here for football and rugby, while soccer wraps up its final weekend of the regular season and the women’s volleyball season kicks off.
Here’s what’s happening Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, in the ACAA and AFL.
The Hurricanes football team is riding high heading into the playoffs after a 46-0 win over the Saint John Falcons. That’s not the only reason for optimism, though, as Holland just finished its best regular season since 2018 and is hosting a playoff game for the first time since 2017.
Holland finished the regular season with a 4-2 record, good for second place in the AFL, while the visiting UNB Reds finished with a 2-4 record for third place.
The Hurricanes and Reds have faced each other in the playoffs in each of the past three years, with UNB coming out on top every time. This year, Holland is looking to flip the script and book a trip to the Moosehead Cup for the first time since 2019. It won’t be easy, as the Reds always seem to elevate their game come playoff time.
Players to watch for the Hurricanes include quarterback Grayson Fox, receiver Mikey Henneberry, running back Greg Sutton, defensive backs Jaheem Salifu and Landon Maclellan, linebacker Nolan McCallum and defensive lineman Mason MacKenzie.
The Hurricanes women’s soccer team is looking to punch its ticket to the ACAA playoffs this weekend. The team currently sits in fourth place and is tied with MSVU at 14 points. Two wins would all but guarantee a playoff spot.
On Saturday, the Hurricanes are on the road in Moncton to take on the Crandall Chargers, who sit in second-last place and have only one win this season.
On Sunday, they return home for senior night against the last-place, winless Dalhousie Rams.
Sunday’s game is one fans won’t want to miss, as the playoff race could come down to the wire.
The men’s soccer team is also looking to secure a playoff spot this weekend. The Hurricanes currently sit in fourth place, with a two-point cushion over the MSVU Mystics.
Saturday’s game against Crandall will be critical, as a win won’t come easily despite the Chargers sitting in second-last place with 11 points.
Sunday’s game is also senior night for men’s soccer, as the Hurricanes face the winless, last-place Dalhousie Rams.
It’s a similar story for the men’s and women’s teams, and this weekend could make or break the Hurricanes’ playoff hopes.
The Hurricanes women’s volleyball team opens its season after a strong showing at the ACAA Tip-Off Tournament last weekend at Mount Allison. One of the Hurricanes’ wins at the tournament came against the UKC Blue Devils, whom they open their season against this weekend.
This year’s squad is a mix of familiar returning veterans and rookies looking to put the league on notice.
Veterans include fifth-year Abby MacDonald, fourth-year Maria Moores and fourth-year Jaqui Jubinville.
Rookies to watch include Payton Dolyny, Ella Weeks and Madeline Simonsen.
Make sure to come out this weekend to support the Hurricanes women’s volleyball team at its home opener.
The women’s rugby team heads to the ACAA Rugby 7s Championship this weekend, hosted by the UKC Blue Devils.
Although the Hurricanes currently sit winless, the regular season is behind them as they head into the championship. Holland enters as the underdog, looking to make a run at gold.
Players to watch include Hannah Whalen, Tess Jesty and Jaymen Rusk.
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