After a disappointing Saturday, the McGill Martlets were certainly not lacking in motivation for their clash with Concordia on Sunday. A draw against Laval denied McGill its bid for a perfect season and the cross-town rivals were the prefect targets on which to vent.
The Martlets took out their frustrations from the previous day with a comprehensive 5-0 away victory over the Stingers, outclassing their opposition all over the field. It was a game played in extremely windy conditions, with gusts so strong they blew over one of the nets during the pre-game warm-ups. On this day, however, neither the weather nor the Stingers were able to do much to stop McGill from sending out an emphatic statement to their rivals.
“We’re playing Montreal in a couple of weekends and they’re always big rivals of ours so it was good to keep winning and playing well to get ready for that,” said Martlet player of the game Sarah Chmielewski. “We wanted to score a lot of goals to prove a point and show that we’re going to be at the top of the league this year”.
Both teams struggled to adapt to the wind in the opening minutes, but McGill quickly settled and began to dominate the game. Though Chmielewski was the only Martlet to score in the first half, it was clear that McGill was simply in a different class. Her goal in the 30th minute was a clear reward for the Martlets’ superior play.
Martlets erupt in second halfA more attacking formation and the advantage of having the wind behind them spurred the Martlets to an even greater result in the second frame. Substitute Marie-Jasmine Parsi scored a pair of goals within two minutes of each other, beginning in the 66th minute. Chmielewski netted her second of the game and Dylan Saunders capped off the McGill scoring in the 89th minute.
In addition to this offensive explosion, the Martlet defence rebounded from conceding its first goal of the season against Laval with a stifling performance. By the final whistle, McGill had amassed 17 shots while allowing Concordia just four.
“I’m satisfied because I think the girls followed the game plan,” said Head Coach Marc Mounicot. “Conditions were very difficult to play in with the high winds but I think we imposed our style. We played along the ground and through the midfield”.
Martlet rookies seize chance to impressMcGill’s dominance provided Mounicot with a chance to give playing time to some of his new recruits and the rookies did not disappoint. Diaper dandies Parsi and Saunders led the charge for the Martlets, scoring three of McGill’s four goals in the second half.
“The first year players came out and did what they had to do,” said captain Shari Fraser. “They were composed. It’s hard to do when there are so many returning vets coming back and they may not get that much time. But when they do and they can produce, it’s a very good sign.”
The Martlets will look to maintain their undefeated record next weekend as they face Bishop’s and UQAM, while building momentum for a critical home and home series against Université de Montréal on Oct. 5 and 8. Though much tougher games lie ahead for McGill, Sunday’s dominating performance by the Martlets, both young and old, suggests that the team is more than ready for the challenge. Results like Sunday’s will go far in McGill’s efforts to win a fourth straight Quebec conference title and that elusive CIS crown.
