By Reegan MacAulay

Unfortunately, all good things must come to a halt or an end, and the Holland Hurricanes certainly experienced that this past weekend (Feb. 23-25), as the volleyball teams saw their playoff runs conclude and the basketball teams had less-than-desirable, but close regular season conclusions.

Here’s a full breakdown of all your recent ‘Canes action.

Women’s Volleyball

The women’s volleyball team started the 2024 Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) Volleyball Championships in Saint John, N.B. strong with a quarter-final win against the fifth-ranked St. Thomas University (STU) Tommies, but couldn’t solve the top-ranked University of King’s College (UKC) Blue Devils in semi-final action, being eliminated despite a valiant effort.

Before the championships, third-year setter Ella Hickey and third-year middle attacker Myah Utrosa were named to 2024 ACAA All-Conference Teams (Hickey for the first team, Utrosa for the second team). Hickey recorded 556 assists, 90 digs, 37 kills, 30 service aces, and five blocks in 18 regular-season matches, while Utrosa recorded 101 kills, 56 digs, 25 blocks, 14 service aces, and eight assists in 18 regular-season matches. Congratulations to both players!

On Friday, Feb. 23, the ‘Canes faced off against a rival in STU, who finished six points behind Holland in the final regular season standings. Both teams entered the quarter-final game with winning momentum, and the ‘Canes came out on top with a three-set sweep (25-22, 25-21, 25-23). The team came out swinging with a strong attack right from the start and never looked back. 

Morgan White’s 11 kills and nine digs carried her squad to the end, earning Hurricanes Player of the Game honours. Jenna O’Neill added 12 digs, Ella Hickey added 29 assists, and Myah Utrosa added three blocks.

On Saturday, Feb. 24, Holland’s momentum from day one was sadly not enough to conquer UKC, who started their championships strong with a 3-1 win over the ‘Canes in an electric atmosphere. Although the first two sets had close results (each ending 25-21), the Blue Devils were far more dominant. Holland surprised UKC with an impressive third-set performance, winning 25-17 and forcing a fourth set. 

Jenna O’Neill’s 13 kills and nine digs helped Holland stay alive. Unfortunately, the Blue Devils exploded offensively in the fourth set and sealed the deal, securing a spot in the championship match. UKC went on to defeat the Mount Allison Mounties on Sunday, Feb. 25 to win the championship.

We thank everyone for supporting the women’s volleyball ‘Canes this season and we can’t wait to return stronger next year.

Connect with the women’s volleyball ‘Canes at www.x.com/caneswvball and www.instagram.com/caneswvball.

Men’s Volleyball

The men’s volleyball team experienced an abrupt end to their season at the 2024 ACAA Volleyball Championships on day two, falling short of a potentially historic comeback rally to the STU Tommies in semi-final action on Saturday, Feb. 24.

Before the championships, Carson Gray and Izumo Ueda were named to the 2024 ACAA All-Conference Team, and Ueda was named the 2024 ACAA Men’s Volleyball Rookie of the Year. The first-year left-side, from South Australia, recorded 160 kills, 87 digs, 16 service aces, 14 blocks, and five assists in 16 regular-season matches. Congratulations to both players!

On Saturday, the ‘Canes faced off in a classic rivalry match to solve a season series against STU that finished tied 2-2 in the regular season. Although the game was a dogfight for both teams, the Tommies took the first two sets 25-23 and 25-22, putting Holland’s season on the line. The ‘Canes fought back with a perfect all-around effort in sets three and four, 25-23 and 25-19, forcing an extra set and creating a battle for the ages. 

Tragically, STU had slightly better momentum and took the set by a mere two points, eliminating Holland and advancing to the championship match. The Tommies went on to upset the Université de Sainte-Anne (USTA) Dragons on Sunday, Feb. 25 to win the championship.

Carson Gray led the ‘Canes with 14 kills, 18 digs, and one assist. Dominik Pineau recorded 11 kills, 18 digs, and one assist, earning Hurricanes Player of the Game honours.

We thank everyone for supporting the men’s volleyball ‘Canes this season and we can’t wait to see you again in 2024-25!

Connect with the men’s volleyball ‘Canes at www.x.com/canesmvball and www.instagram.com/canesmvball.

Women’s Basketball

The women’s basketball team ended its regular season with an unfortunate 77-68 loss to the STU Tommies in Fredericton, N.B. on Saturday, Feb. 24.

Despite the loss, it was a thrilling conclusion to the season and a spirited effort by the ‘Canes. STU had a slightly better start to begin the game, leading 19-16 after one quarter and maintaining a 37-32 lead at halftime. The Tommies continued to extend their lead to 62-50 at the end of the third quarter. Holland kept things close and wouldn’t let STU get away, but the Tommies remained superior, taking the game by nine points.

Alexa Rancourt led the ‘Canes with 18 points and 15 rebounds. Lauren Armstrong recorded 16 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Holland concluded the regular season 10-8, securing fourth place in the conference with 20 points, two ahead of STU, who finished the season 9-9 and with a two-game winning streak.

The ‘Canes will now focus on achieving a better result in the 2024 ACAA Basketball Championships next weekend (March 1-3), which they host at the McMillan Centre in Charlottetown. The Hurricanes are three-time ACAA champions (2015, 2016 and 2017).

After losing in the semi-finals the previous two championships (coming off 8-4 and 14-4 regular-season records), Holland will be hungry for redemption in front of the home crowd, beginning with a quarter-final game on Friday, March 1 at either 11 a.m. or 1 p.m, versus the STU Tommies.

Stay tuned to acaa.ca and the Holland Hurricanes’ social media pages for more information.

Connect with the women’s basketball ‘Canes at www.x.com/caneswbball and www.instagram.cm/hurricanesbball.

Men’s Basketball

The men’s basketball team also experienced a rough conclusion to its regular season, joining the women in Frederiction, N.B. and losing a close 91-81 match against the top-ranked STU Tommies.

In a game where Holland had an opportunity to secure third place in the conference with a win, the team had an impressive start, leading 27-25 after one quarter. STU rebounded with a one-point advantage through the second quarter, leading 50-47 at halftime. The Tommies held the advantage through the third quarter, leading 75-62, and hanging on in the fourth quarter by 10 points.

Bryce Corless led the ‘Canes with 24 points and six rebounds. Aaron Simmons recorded 18 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Diangelo Woodside and Zachary Dawkins combined for 22 points, 20 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

Holland concluded the regular season 9-9, tying the Crandall University Chargers and Mount Allison Mounties for third in the conference, 18 points each, thanks to the Mounties also falling in their regular season finale. The tiebreaker gave the Hurricanes the third-seed, while Crandall finishes fourth and Mount Allison, fifth. STU clinched first place in the conference with a 15-3 record and 30 points.

Along with the women, the ‘Canes will now focus on defending the conference championship at the 2024 ACAA Basketball Championships next weekend, which they host. The Hurricanes are eight-time ACAA champions (who once won seven in a row!).

Despite carrying a young and inexperienced roster versus last season’s championship-winning squad, the ‘Canes will have a golden advantage with a home crowd cheering them on. The team will join the women with a quarter-final game on Friday, March 1 at either 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. versus the University of New Brunswick Saint John (UNBSJ) Seawolves (sixth ranked). 

Stay tuned to acaa.ca and the Holland Hurricanes’ social media pages for more information. Connect with the men’s basketball ‘Canes at www.x.com/canesmbball and www.instagram.com/hurricanesbball.

For more information on the Holland Hurricanes, visit www.hollandhurricanes.com, www.facebook.com/hollandhurricanes, www.x.com/hc_hurricanes, and www.instagram.com/hollandhurricanes.

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