The Rattlers had a mixed weekend across cross country running and soccer, with strong individual performances and hard-fought battles.
Saturday, October 12
Cross Country Running – ACAC #5: Augustana Open
The MHC Rattlers Women’s Cross Country team equaled their season’s best finish, taking third place in ACAC #5, hosted by Augustana in Camrose. Led by two top-10 finishes from Maddie Scrimger, who finished ninth, and rookie Ellie Barlow, who came in tenth, the team fell just four points short of second place, finishing behind Lethbridge Polytechnic. Red Deer Polytechnic won the women’s race. Other Rattlers finishers included Mizuki Iwata in 22nd place, Aki Iwata in 32nd, Hannah Ulm in 33rd, and Addison Weir in 39th.
On the men’s side, the Rattlers faced a tougher day, finishing ninth overall. Spencer Wilson and Gage Smith led the way with 26th and 27th place finishes, respectively, while Taylor Rumberg (42nd), Claudio Requena (46th), Elijah Lavoie-Pierzchala (47th), and Griffin Goodfellow (48th) also completed the race.
Next up for the cross country team are the ACAC Championships in Calgary on October 26th. Full results can be found on the ACAC website.
Women’s Soccer – vs. Olds College
The Rattlers women’s soccer team claimed a well-deserved 2-1 victory over Olds College. The first goal came in the 36th minute when Abby Lalach found the net, assisted by Alexis Ratke. Early in the second half, Ratke added a second goal in the 53rd minute, with Lalach providing the assist. The Rattlers registered 13 shots throughout the match, and goalkeeper Rylan Morhart made 14 saves to secure the win. Abby Lalach was named Player of the Game for her strong performance.
Men’s Soccer – vs. Olds College
The men’s soccer team faced a difficult match, falling 4-1 to Olds College. After conceding three goals in just six minutes, the Rattlers managed to pull one back in the 67th minute when Erik Amberson scored from a free kick. Despite 10 shots on target, the Olds keeper made 10 saves, keeping the Rattlers from closing the gap. Olds registered 11 shots on goal, with Rattlers goalkeeper Stefan Vrska making 7 saves. Erik Amberson was named Player of the Game.
Sunday, October 13
Women’s Soccer – vs. Red Deer Polytechnic
In Sunday’s game, the women’s soccer team held a 0-0 tie at halftime against the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens but ultimately suffered a 3-0 loss after conceding three second-half goals, including one in the first minute of the second half. The Rattlers struggled to create chances, managing just three shots, two of which were on target. Goalkeeper Rylan Morhart made 7 saves during the match.
Men’s Soccer – vs. Red Deer Polytechnic
The men’s soccer team faced another tough outing on Sunday, losing 3-0 to the RDP Kings. An early goal within the first six minutes put the Rattlers on the back foot, and although they generated 17 total shots, none found the back of the net. Colin Kirkland was named Player of the Game for his efforts.
Upcoming Events for the Teams
The Rattlers Cross Country team will compete in the ACAC Championships on October 26th, hosted by St. Mary’s University in Calgary. The men’s and women’s soccer teams face SAIT Trojans on October 19th in Calgary and will then return home for a Highway 3 rivalry on October 20th. The men's team remains in playoff contention and will need victories in both matches to secure a spot.