Four-Win Weekend for the Lancers

It was a banner day for Loyalist Athletics on Saturday as all four varsity teams in action walked away with victories — a clean sweep that showcased the strength, depth, and spirit of the Lancers across multiple programs. From dominant performances on the basketball court to dramatic finishes on the volleyball court, Saturday was nothing short of a celebration of Loyalist pride.

Women's Basketball Stays Perfect with Commanding Win Over Durham (87–46)

The Lancers women's basketball team continued their undefeated season with a dominant 87–46 victory over the Durham Lords on home court. From the opening tip, Loyalist controlled the tempo, executed with precision, and showcased why they're one of the top programs in the country.

Before the game, the program honoured six graduating athletes whose leadership and contributions have shaped the team's identity:

• Nina Anderson
  • A forward from New Liskeard, Ontario, now in her second year with the program, Nina has shown remarkable growth. Her relentless work ethic, team‑first attitude, and steady consistency make her a trusted presence both on and off the court.
• Dana Zashi Ventenilla
  • A dynamic point guard, Dana's lightning‑quick speed, elite ball‑handling, and tenacious defense made her an instant impact player. She's been an obvious and invaluable addition since getting back on the court this semester.
• Sophie Vanni
  • A talented point guard, Sophie is the definition of a true teammate—dedicated, dependable, and fiercely skilled. Her commitment to the game, paired with her undeniable talent, has made her an immediate force in her first season.
• Gwen Forrester
  • This versatile guard has been a key piece of the program since day one. Over her three years, Gwen has grown into one of the toughest, hardest-working, and most effective defensive players in the league—gritty, athletic, and putting her heart into every minute she plays.
• Kayley Lemaire
  • A dominant centre, Kayley's power and presence in the paint make her a nightmare for opponents. A force under the net, she's had a massive impact on both ends of the floor—ranking 5th in the league in total rebounds and rebounds per game, and 4th in field goal percentage.
• Grace Callahan
  •  This season has been a defining one for Grace. A fierce and highly skilled guard/forward, Grace brings unmatched intensity and competitive fire. In the final home game of the season, Grace sits among the greatest women's basketball players in Lancer history.

Her achievements speak for themselves:

• 3rd all‑time in rebounds with 425
• 2nd all‑time in steals with 177
• 1st all‑time in total assists with 156
• And 3rd all‑time in total points, with an incredible 657 career points
• AND – the season isn't over.

On the court, the Lancers once again displayed their trademark combination of depth, defensive discipline, and inside dominance — all of which have driven their perfect season to date.

Men's Basketball Topples East's No. 1 Team in Thriller (78–76)

In one of the most exciting games of the season, the Lancers men's basketball team delivered a statement victory, defeating the top team in the OCAA East — the Durham Lords — 78–76 in a nail‑biting finish.

The atmosphere inside the Kente Building was electric as Loyalist battled through a tight, physical contest, making timely shots and clutch defensive stops down the stretch. The win extends the team's second‑semester surge and marks one of their biggest results of the year.

Prior to tip‑off, Loyalist honoured five graduating athletes, each of whom has left a lasting mark on the program:

• Ryan Barrett
  • Quiet but incredibly talented, Ryan brings a calm, consistent presence to the floor. His smooth play and reliability have made him a tremendous addition to the squad this season.
• Romeo Kigenza
  • Romeo has grown into a key contributor during his time with the Lancers—an impactful, team‑first player whose development, effort, and attitude have made him invaluable on and off the court.
• Jalen Carter Julien
  • Also in his third year, Jalen is a dominant big man who owns the paint—crashing the boards, finishing strong, and putting up huge numbers in recent games. His presence inside sets the tone for the Lancers every night.
• Kobe Tablate
  • A hardworking leader who sets the standard through effort and example, Kobe distributes the ball beautifully—leading the team in assists—and anchors the offense with intelligence, poise, and commitment.
• Romain McCalla
  • Undeniably talented and dominant nearly every game, Romain leads the team in scoring, ranks second in the league in points per game, and is currently leading the entire league in total points. A true offensive force and one of the top players in the conference.

Their leadership was on full display in Saturday's emotional and hard‑fought victory.

Women's Volleyball Ends Season With Five‑Set Victory Over Centennial

The women's volleyball team closed out their 2025–26 season in dramatic fashion, earning a hard‑fought five‑set win over the Centennial Colts. It was the perfect finish to the year — competitive, high‑energy, and full of heart.

The afternoon also featured a major individual milestone:
Veteran libero Taylor Baker recorded her 500th career dig, a remarkable achievement that highlights her consistency, growth, and importance to the program over her four seasons in the Lancer jersey. 

The Lancers' resilience was evident throughout the match as they battled through momentum swings and executed in the decisive fifth set to secure the victory.

Men's Volleyball Wins to Clinch 4th & Host Playoff Match

In the final match of their regular season, the Lancers men's volleyball team secured a crucial victory that propelled them into 4th place in the OCAA East Division, earning the right to host a home playoff match on February 14th.

The win capped off a strong push down the stretch as the Lancers continue to find their rhythm at the perfect time. Home‑court advantage will be a major asset as they prepare for postseason competition, and Saturday's performance showed that this group is locked in and ready.

A Day to Remember

Four games. Four wins. Countless reasons to celebrate.

Saturday was more than just a successful day on the scoreboard — it was a reflection of the dedication, growth, and competitive spirit of every student‑athlete who wears the Lancer logo. With playoffs approaching and momentum building across multiple programs, there's plenty of exciting Lancer action coming up!