MEN’S RUGBY: A, until the final

Men’s rugby had a strong season all around, boasting a 5-1 regular season record and leading the RSEQ rankings with bonus points, awarded when a team scores more than four tries in a game. Unfortunately, the impressive season culminated in a soul-crushing finale, with Concordia creaming them 33-0 on home turf—but let’s not dwell on that. A fond highlight of the season was the semifinal game against Bishop’s: The boys put everything on the line and emerged with a win in sudden death double overtime, playing with grit and resilience along the way. Hopefully next year they will be able to redeem themselves against Concordia. To do this they will have to work extra hard as they will be losing key players like captain Karl Hunger and fullback Benjamin Russell next year. The Tribune awards the team a few extra points for strong team spirit, and for spreading holiday cheer by going carolling door-to-door in Milton Parc.

WOMEN’S SOCCER: B+

The Martlet’s soccer program had a decent season, with a 7-5-3 record. The team finished the season third in the RSEQ rankings, with a three-game winning streak to end the regular season. Their playoff run was cut short after losing to sThe Martlet’s soccer program had a decent season, with a 7-5-3 record. The team finished the season third in the RSEQ rankings, with a three-game winning streak to end the regular season. Their playoff run was cut short after losing to second-place Laval in the semifinal game. Laval proved a constant challenge for McGill this season, defeating the Martlets twice and tying once. The University of Montreal, ranked first in the RSEQ, and l’Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) were the other teams that provided difficult competition for McGill. The team has a strong, young group, and if they can find a way to beat the top-ranked teams, they could make it much further in the playoffs of the upcoming seasons.

MEN’S BASKETBALL: A-

Despite a rocky preseason performance where they lost three out of four games, the men’s basketball team came back exceptionally strong since the start of the RSEQ season. They have won all four of their matchups so far, including a thrilling shootout with Bishop’s University that ended in a 76-74 victory for the Redbirds. A lot of the team’s success can be attributed to standout veteran players Jamal Mayali, Kevin Li, and Cameron Elliot. None of this would be possible, however, without the excellent coaching of head coach Ryan Thorne. In only his first year as the Redbirds’ coach, he has built a cohesive team that stays hungry and constantly pushes to improve. We’re eagerly waiting for the rest of the season to see what new heights this seemingly fully realized team can reach.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: C-

The women’s basketball team has had a rough start to the season. In the four games they’ve played since the start of the regular season, they have yet to win once. It isn’t shocking that a team comprised almost entirely of rookies is The women’s basketball team has had a rough start to the season. In the four games they’ve played since the start of the regular season, they have yet to win once. It isn’t shocking that a team comprised almost entirely of rookies is having growing pains. This losing record, however, doesn’t tell the whole story—the team has had flashes of greatness, and has the potential to be better than they have been on paper in the remaining 12 games of the season. As the team continues to gel, young stars like first-year guards Iman Ibrahim and Emma-Jane Scotten are certainly poised to light it up as the season progresses.

MEN’S HOCKEY: D+

The men’s hockey team opened their season strong with a 3-2 shootout win against Concordia, who is now ranked fourth in the OUA Far East division. However, in their next seven games, the Redbirds failed to win or bring the game into overtime. With a somewhat promising preseason that saw them beat the second-ranked team UQTR, the team has had a disappointing start to the season, especially considering their roster full of NHL prospects. Although they finally broke their losing streak with a win on Dec. 4 against Concordia, there is still much improvement to be made. Whether it is the large number of rookies on the Redbirds squad preventing strong team chemistry or just a lack of discipline in terms of penalties, the Redbirds need to make changes in the new year if they want to see any degree of success.

WOMEN’S HOCKEY: A

The women’s hockey team had a much stronger start than the men, ranking first in the country in mid-November. The Martlets were also undefeated in the regular season until Nov. 19 when the team suffered a pair of losses to Concordia and then Ottawa. Although they are no longer the national leaders, the Martlets still hold the top spot in the RSEQ standings with a 9-3-0 record. Like the men’s team, the women’s program has many fresh faces, but their team chemistry and discipline is much higher. Heading into the new year, the Martlets should maintain the momentum they have gained in this first half of the season to continue their stint as queens of the rink.

MEN’S FOOTBALL: D

McGill’s football team this year started off with so much promise, but gradually deteriorated as the season went on. Their initial energy and team chemistry was not reflected in their disappointing 1-7 record. Luckily, the Tribune was around to cover the epic highs and lows of McGill football, from the thrilling home opener against Sherbrooke and their only win of the season, down to the heart-wrenching Shaughnessy Cup upset. Despite the team’s overall performance, honourable mentions must go out to several standout players. Elijah Williams led the team with 359 yards gained, more than double the next best player’s yards. Rookie receiver Darius Simmons and linebacker Benjamin Carre were both named to the All-Canadian Honours second team. With stars like this on next year’s squad, the team will hopefully get their bearings and sustain momentum throughout the semester instead of fizzling out.

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL: A-

The Martlets volleyball team has had an outstanding season so far this fall  Standing at an 8-4 record, the semester has seen new highs, consistent skills, and exceptional team spirit. Just last game, power-hitter Victoria Iannotti scored a career-high 22.5 points. Another standout player was middle-blocker Charlene Robitaille: Never sporting a sour face and an incredible team player, Robitaille drove her team to several wins, leading the Martlets in blocks and service aces. Beginning their season with a win against the Montreal Carabins, the Martlets took their first victory as a motif to carry with them throughout the semester, with strong wins and extremely tight losses. This season, the Sherbrooke Vert et Or are proving to be the Martlets’ greatest opponents, with a 3-0 win streak against McGill. Still, the energy is high heading into the next year, with the Martlets set to re-match their Sherbrooke rivals on Jan. 7.