HAMILTON, Ont. — Three women's rugby Marauders were named to the OUA All-Star team after showcasing a solid season, finishing the regular season 4-2. The Marauders would eventually fall to the Western Mustangs in the OUA quarterfinals.
OUA First Team All-Star: Osa Olaye (Mississauga, Ont.), Locke
Entering the 2024 season, Olaye was primed to have a big year and she delivered by doubling her 2023 production, recording eight tries. The third-year athlete earned a First Team All-Star award for her incredible production on the season. Olaye finished second in tries and scored the fifth most points (45) in the OUA.
Head coach,
Chris Jones, was thrilled for Olaye, saying "Osa has been a key figure in our success this year. She is very difficult to stop as a ball carrier and that gives a lot of confidence to the rest of the team …She is very deserving of the all-star nod!"
Second Team All-Star: Taylor Wood (Uxbridge, Ont), Centre
Wood entered her fourth season with high expectations as she was a key contributor to the Ontario Senior Women West squad and was named a First Team All-Star award in the 2023 season. During 2023, she scored six tries and put 30 points on the board for the Marauders. Wood did not disappoint as she was an offensive leader in the 2024 season. Wood scored eight tries during the 2024 campaign, contributing 40 points to the Marauders attack.
Wood, a natural center, was also placed on the wing at times this season. Coach Jones explains "Bouncing back and forth from center to wing wasn't always easy (for her) …" but Wood found a way to use her experience and contribute to the team. Coach Jones continues "…She was a massive contributor to our return to the playoff space this year."
Second Team All-Star: Verena Marsig (Stouffville, Ont.), 8-Man
Marsig was named an OUA All-Star in her rookie season. The 5'8 flanker played a very tactical game for the Marauders with a mix of physicality and poise that made an impact for the team.
Coach Jones says he was "not surprised" that Marsig was already an All-Star as a rookie. Jones says, "…Her knowledge of the game and knowledge of herself as an athlete sets her apart in our squad and she deserves the recognition…"
The three athletes played a huge part in the success of the Marauders 2024 season.
