It’s formally “banner” season for Canadian U Sports activities cross-country, as the highest ladies’s groups throughout the nation start their bid for a ticket to the 2023 U Sports activities Championships on Nov. 12, in London, Ont.
Right here’s an replace on our Canadian Operating ladies’s XC staff energy rankings primarily based on the common season. Moreover, we’ve highlighted a few athletes to look at of their respective conferences, and, in fact, everybody’s favorite–predictions!
10. Victoria Vikes (CanWest) -2
9. Montreal Carabins (RSEQ) +/-
8. Saskatchewan Huskies (CanWest) *new*
7. Queen’s Gaels (OUA) -1
6. McMaster Marauders (OUA) -1
5. Guelph Gryphons (OUA) +3
4. St. Francis Xavier X-Ladies (AUS) +/-
3. Laval Rouge-et-Or (RSEQ) +/-
2. Western Mustangs (OUA) +/-
1. UBC Thunderbirds (CanWest) +/-
The UBC Thunderbirds keep their high place in our pre-conference championship rankings after a convincing win on the UBCO Invite. Kyla Becker of UBC took one other win, extending her unbeaten streak, together with her teammate Katie Newlove ending shut behind. Becker’s outstanding type will carry into this weekend’s CanWest XC Championships, the place the Thunderbirds are poised to strengthen their place because the nation’s high staff. It could take a standout efficiency from both Laval or Western to maneuver UBC from the highest spot earlier than U Sports activities, as UBC is anticipated to maintain enterprise at CanWest.
The highest 4 groups within the rankings stay unchanged, however Guelph makes a major leap, climbing three positions into the highest 5. Their sturdy displaying on the Marauder Bayfront Open, the place they narrowly trailed Western, reveals they’re gaining momentum on the proper time. If Guelph can get sturdy performances from their fourth and fifth runners, they might pose a problem to the #2 ranked Western Mustangs at this weekend’s OUA championships in Waterloo, Ont., and defend their 2022 title.
Making their debut in our high 10 rankings this season are the #8 ranked Saskatchewan Huskies. The staff claimed a dominant victory on the College of Calgary Stewart Cup, the place they positioned three ladies within the high 5, led by fourth-year veteran Kaitlyn Harrison, who received the 6K race in 22:37. Whereas the Huskies could not match the depth of UBC, they’ve the potential to emerge because the second-ranked staff within the aggressive CanWest convention heading into U Sports activities.
Particular person title contenders
Jade Berube (Laval Rouge-et-Or)
Kyla Becker (UBC Thunderbirds)
Anna Carruthers (Western Mustangs)
Cameron Ormond (Guelph Gryphons)
Marley Beckett (UBC Thunderbirds)
Catherine Beauchemin (Laval Rouge-et-Or)
Hannah Goodjohn (McMaster Marauders)
Chloe Coutts (Western Mustangs)
Convention predictions
OUA
Group title: (#2) Western Mustangs
Particular person title: Cameron Ormond (Guelph)
CanWest
Group title: (#1) UBC Thunderbirds
Particular person title: Kyla Becker (UBC)
RSEQ
Group title: (#3) Laval Rouge-et-Or
Particular person title: Catherine Beauchemin (Laval)
AUS
Group title: (#4) St Francis Xavier X-Ladies
Particular person title: Allie Sandluck (StFX)
