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HOME OF THE MCMASTER MARAUDERS
Marauder Minute Graphic (September 7th - September 13th)

Media Kailyn Reny, Marc-Anthony Armenio, and Owen Wright

Marauder Minute (September 7 - 13, 2026)

Marauders carry their momentum through the season with wins from Football, Women’s Rugby, Fast Pitch, Men’s Lacrosse, and Women’s Tennis.

Football 
September 12th - W: 25-3 at York | Box Score


The McMaster Marauders continued their undefeated start to the 2026 season Saturday night, defeating the York Lions 25-3 at York Lions Stadium to improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2014.

Michael Horvat opened the scoring with field goals from 33 and 31 yards, giving McMaster a 6-0 lead midway through the first quarter. York responded with a 13-yard field goal from Nathan Walker, but it would be the Lions' only points of the night.

Horvat continued to deliver in the second quarter, converting field goals from 10, 39 and 41 yards to send the Marauders into halftime with a 15-3 advantage. He finished a perfect 5-for-5 on field-goal attempts and accounted for 16 points, including a fourth-quarter extra point.

McMaster's defence controlled the game throughout, limiting York to 136 yards of total offence and eight first downs. The Marauders recorded four sacks and two interceptions, with Isaiah Shields and Anthony Sestanovic each recording a pick.

Horvat added a rouge on a third-quarter punt to extend the lead to 16-3 before McMaster's offence put the game away late.

Quarterback Lucas Barresi completed 36 of 49 passes for 363 yards and a touchdown. Shane Wismer led the receiving corps with 14 catches for 167 yards, while Aidan Nemeth added 11 receptions for 119 yards.

Barresi connected with Nemeth for a 24-yard touchdown with 34 seconds remaining, sealing the 25-3 victory. McMaster finished with 393 yards of total offence and 21 first downs.

The Marauders return home Saturday, September 19 for Homecoming against the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks at Ron Joyce Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

Women's Rugby
September 12th - W: 91-7 vs Toronto


After beginning the season on the road against the Trent Excalibur, The McMaster Marauders (2-0-0) earned a decisive 91-7 win over the University of Toronto Varsity Blues (0-2-0) at home on Saturday. 

After Soh-Lee Jung (Chatham, Ont.) got McMaster started early in the first half, McMaster had six different scorers all make their mark as they jumped out to a 36-0 lead at half. Chayse Palfi (Keswick, Ont.) led the Marauders with 6 points earned on three conversions.

The Marauders continued to pressure the Varsity Blues in the second half, scoring two tries in the first four minutes of play. Zero Salmoni's (Waterloo, Ont.) try brought McMaster to 60 unanswered points. After the Varsity Blues ended McMaster's shutout bid with a try and conversion, the Marauders added five more tries and 31 more points to finish the game. 

Bella Serrano (Toronto, Ont.), Claire Rintoul (Burlington, Ont.), Verena Marsig (Stouffville, Ont.), Caroline Dunlop (Calgary, Alta), Ava Spencer-Thompson (Bradford, Ont.), Ashley Morin (Aurora, Ot.), Funmi Olomodosi (Milton, Ont.), Summer Geidlinger (Waterloo, Ont.) and Tess Marshall (Sunderland, Ont.) all contributed tries for the Marauders en route to their 91-point game. Rookies, Marshall and Geidlinger, both earned their first try's as Marauders.

Second-year Marauders, Laura Williams (Erin, Ont.) and Madeline Robinet (Whitby, Ont.) led the way with two tries each. Williams leads the team through two games with four tries. Palfi finished with five conversions while 3rd-year Marauder, Julia Burlaca (Toronto, Ont.) added three more conversions.

McMaster takes on the Western Mustangs back at home on September 18th at 6pm.

Women's Soccer
September 13th - L: 0-1 at Brock | Box Score


On Sunday afternoon, the McMaster Marauders (2-1-1) visited Brock Alumni Field to take on the Brock Badgers (3-0-1).

McMaster started the game with the majority of chances, Julia Van Haeke (Whitby, Ont.) recorded McMaster's first shot on target with a strike from distance. That remained the only shot on target for either team until late in the first half. 

The game remained at zeros by halftime. The Marauders finished the half with two shots on goal while Lucie Duffy (London, Ont.) was only tested once in the first half.

McMaster once again controlled play in the early going, with a trio of opportunities that did not find the target. In the 72nd minute, Brock broke the deadlock and took the lead. The Marauders were unable to find an equaliser and lost 1-0. 

Along with Van Haeke, Clara Boutin (Ottawa, Ont.) and Amaris Machmueller (Kitchener, Ont.) each recorded a shot for the Marauders. Despite the loss, McMaster continued their strong defensive play, limiting Brock to just three shots on target in the game.

Next up, the Marauders visit London, Ont. to take on the Western Mustangs at 6pm on Friday, September 18th.

Men's Soccer
September 13th - T: 1-1 at Brock |
Box Score

The McMaster Marauders (1-1-2) took on the Brock Badgers (0-3-1) and drew 1-1 in a very close match up. 

The Marauders had six shot attempts and one on target from defender, Damiano Refosco (Hamilton, Ont.), while fourth-year Marauder, Martin Enright (Vaughan, Ont.) made three saves in the first half.

In the 55th minute, Brock opened the scoring. McMaster responded 15 minutes later, with a goal from second year forward, Nathan Odoul (Oakville, Ont.). Midfielder, Niko Eskit (Oakville, Ont.), recorded the assist. 

McMaster controlled play in the final fifteen minutes, taking two shots with one on target but were unable to find a winner and the game ended tied at 1.

The Marauders limited Brock to just one shot in the half and recorded five shots on goal in the half. Enright finished his night with three saves.

McMaster takes on the Western Mustangs in London, Ontario at 8:15 on Friday, September 18th. 

Men's Lacrosse
September 11th - W: 11-7 vs Laurier


The McMaster Marauders opened their 2026 women's lacrosse season with a split double header Saturday, falling 15-4 to the Queen's Gaels before bouncing back with an 8-7 victory over the Toronto Varsity Blues.

McMaster began the day against Queen's, facing the Gael's in their first contest of the season. The Marauders were unable to secure the opening victory, falling 15-4.

Following the loss, McMaster had an opportunity to regroup before returning to the field for its second game of the day against the University of Toronto. The Marauders responded with a strong performance, earning an 8-7 victory over the Varsity Blues.

The one-goal win marked McMaster's first victory of the 2026 season and allowed the Marauders to close out the opening day on a positive note. The split leaves McMaster with a 1-1 record heading into its next set of games.

The Marauders will return to action on September 20, travelling to Oshawa for another double header against Ontario Tech University and Trent University at Vaso's Field. McMaster will look to carry the momentum from their victory over Toronto into their next two contests.

With the season now underway, the Marauders will look to build on its 1-1 start as it continues through the regular season.  

September 13th - L: 3-13 at Guelph

The McMaster Marauders suffered their first loss of the 2026 men's lacrosse season Sunday afternoon, falling 13-3 to the Guelph Gryphons at Varsity Field. 

McMaster's offence was held to three goals throughout the afternoon as the Marauders were unable to close the gap against the Gryphons. McMaster continued to battle throughout the contest, but could not generate the offence needed to overcome the deficit.

The Marauders move to 1-1 on the season following Sunday's result. McMaster will look to regroup and return to the win column as the 2026 regular season continues. 

The Marauders will have the opportunity to bounce back on home turf when they return to Alumni Field on Wednesday, September 16. McMaster will host Western University in an 8 p.m. matchup.

The contest with Western will give McMaster an opportunity to respond to Sunday's result and continue its 2026 campaign.

Men's Tennis
September 12th - L: 0-7 vs Western

The McMaster Marauders opened their 2026 men's tennis season Saturday afternoon, falling 7-0 to the Western Mustangs at Stoney Creek Tennis Club.

McMaster took the court for its opening OUA matchup of the season, competing against Western in singles and doubles play. The Mustangs ultimately secured the victory, earning a 7-0 result over the Marauders.

Saturday's match marked the beginning of McMaster's 2026 campaign, as the Marauders got their first opportunity to compete in OUA play. While the result went in favour of Western, the team will turn its attention toward the remainder of the regular season.

With the opening match now behind them, the Marauders will look to build on their first game and prepare for their next challenge. McMaster will return to action on Friday, September 18, travelling to Toronto to face the York Lions at York Tennis Courts.

The match is set for a 6:30 p.m. start, with the Marauders looking to bounce back from the season-opening result and earn their first victory of the season.

Women's Tennis
September 12th - W: 4-3 vs Western


The McMaster Marauders kicked off their 2026 women's tennis season with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the Western Mustangs on Saturday at Stoney Creek Tennis Club.

The Marauders and Mustangs battled through singles and doubles competition in McMaster's opening OUA matchup of the season. McMaster came away with four match victories to secure the narrow team win and open the campaign on a positive note.

The 4-3 result provided the Marauders with a strong start to their OUA schedule, as McMaster held off Western to claim the season-opening victory. The narrow margin reflected the competitive nature of the opening contest as the Marauders secured the team victory on home courts.

With the season now underway, McMaster will look to build on its opening-day performance as the team prepares for its next OUA matchup. The Marauders will carry their momentum on the road when they travel to Toronto later this month.

McMaster will return to the court on Friday, September 18, when they face the York Lions at York Tennis Courts. The match is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. start as McMaster looks to continue its winning start to the 2026 season.

Baseball

The McMaster Marauders took on the Laurier Golden Hawks in a double-header on Saturday. 

September 11th - L: 1-9 vs Laurier

The Marauders were searching for their first win of the season and handed the ball off to second-year pitcher, Premnath Nayak (Mississauga, Ont.) in game one. 

The Marauders fell behind early in game one as Laurier put up a 2-spot in the second inning and followed that up with a 4-run fourth inning. Lucas Grant (Fonthill, Ont.) cashed in firstyear, Nathan Smid (Toronto, Ont.) for the Marauders only run of the game. The Golden Hawks added three more runs and McMaster was unable to respond and would fall 9-1 in game one.

After Nayak pitched three and two-thirds, posting two strikeouts, McMaster brought in third-year pitcher, Sam McMillan (Guelph, Ont.) and Lefty Pitcher, Jonah Ferry, in relief. The two combined for three and one-third innings, limiting Laurier to three hits. Along with his RBI single, Grant also recorded a triple in the third inning. Quinton Shannon (Ancaster, Ont.) also led the way offensively, going 2-3 in the game. 

September 12th - L: 0-3 vs Laurier

Third-Year Marauder, Alex Van Raay (Hamilton, Ont.) got the start in game two. The righty had a solid start, striking out two while limiting the Golden Hawks to two runs on four hits. Noah Law-Czaban (Ancaster, Ont.) came in for relief pitching one and two-thirds innings, allowing one run while striking out two. 

McMaster was unable to generate much offense, recording four hits as a team. John Dykyj (Burlington, Ont.) led the way with a 2 singles and a stolen base. Quinton Shannon, and Devon Fenwick also recorded hits. McMaster drew four walks including two from Fenwick but couldn't cash in a base runner, falling 3-0 in game 2.

McMaster will be back in action on Saturday, September 19th as they face of against the University of Windsor at 12 and 3pm.

Field Hockey
September 11th - L: 0-2 vs Toronto |
Box Score


The McMaster Marauders opened their season at Alumni Field in Hamilton. The Marauders are looking to improve on an up-and down 2025 season that saw them finish 2-5-1.  

The Marauders took on the University of Toronto, a team they did not face off with last season. Despite a strong defensive effort, limiting the Varsity Blues to just two goals, McMaster was unable to score and were defeated 2-0. 

September 12th - L: 0-4 at Guelph | Box Score

The Marauders faced off against the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday. The Marauders put in a strong effort but were unsuccessful in their efforts to score, remaining goal-less through two games. McMaster fell 4-0 to the Gryphons and began the season 0-2. 

Next up, McMaster takes on the York Lions and will look to avenge last season's loss on Friday, September 19th at 11am. 

Fast Pitch
September 12th - W: 9-2 vs Waterloo
September 12th - L: 1-8 vs York 
September 13th - L: 2-9 vs Ottawa
September 13th - L: 0-10 vs Queen's 


The McMaster women's fast pitch team opened its 2026 season this weekend at the Ontario University Softball (OUS) Opening Weekend Showcase in Cobourg, Ontario which brought together all 12 OUS teams to the same venue for the two day competition. The Showcase had each team play four opponents in interdivisional play with the Marauder women facing four East Division opponents over the two days. 

The Marauders opened the weekend with an impressive 9–2 victory over the Waterloo Warriors on Saturday. McMaster then faced the York Lions later that afternoon, before returning to action Sunday against the Ottawa Gee-Gees and Queen's Gaels.

The four-game showcase provided the Marauders with an early opportunity to compete against several top OUS opponents and gain valuable experience as the team kicked off its 2026 campaign with a 1-3 record.

With a demanding opening weekend under their belts, McMaster will look to build on the experience gained in Cobourg and continue developing as the season progresses.

Marauders fast pitch returns to action on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Exhibition Park in Guelph, Ontario where they face the Gryphon women in a doubleheader starting at 2:00 p.m. They also play a second double header at Waterloo, Park in Waterloo, Ontario against the hometown Golden Hawks of Laurier University on Sunday, September 20, 2026 starting at 11:00 a.m.

Upcoming Events (Sept 14 - Sept 20)

Sept 16
8:00PM: Men's Lacrosse vs Western

Sept 18 
6:00PM: Women's Soccer at Western
6:00PM: Women's Rugby vs Western
6:30PM: Tennis at York
8:00PM: Men's Rugby vs Toronto
8:15PM: Men's Soccer at Western

Sept 19
11:00AM: Field Hockey at York
12:00PM: Baseball at Windsor 
12:00PM: Tennis vs Waterloo
1:00PM: Football vs Laurier
2:00PM: Fast Pitch at Guelph
3:00PM: Baseball at Windsor
4:00PM: Baseball at Guelph
5:00PM: Men's Lacrosse at Brock
Rowing at Western Invitational

Sept 20
11:00AM: Fast Pitch at Laurier
12:00PM: Baseball vs Windsor
12:00PM: Women's Lacrosse at Ontario Tech
1:00PM: Fast Pitch at Laurier
1:00PM: Field Hockey vs Queen's
1:00PM: Women's Soccer vs Windsor
3:00PM: Baseball vs Western
3:15PM: Men's Soccer vs Windsor
3:30pm: Women's Lacrosse vs Trent 



 
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Players Mentioned

Michael Horvat

#21 Michael Horvat

K/P
5' 10"
Third Year
3
Aidan Nemeth

#7 Aidan Nemeth

REC
6' 0"
Third Year
2
Anthony Sestanovic

#17 Anthony Sestanovic

LB
6' 0"
Third Year
3
Isaiah Shields

#28 Isaiah Shields

RB
6' 2"
Second Year
2
Lucas Barresi

#3 Lucas Barresi

QB
6' 4"
First Year
1
Shane Wismer

#87 Shane Wismer

REC
6' 0"
First Year
1
Caroline Dunlop

#12 Caroline Dunlop

C
5' 7"
Second Year
2
Chayse Palfi

#4 Chayse Palfi

Lock
5' 7"
Third Year
3
Claire Rintoul

#19 Claire Rintoul

Lock
5' 9"
Second Year
2
Bella Serrano

#2 Bella Serrano

Hook
5' 3"
Fourth Year
3
Soh-Lee Jung

#11 Soh-Lee Jung

C/Wing
5' 7"
First Year
1
Verena Marsig

#8 Verena Marsig

FL
5' 8"
First Year
1

Players Mentioned

Michael Horvat

#21 Michael Horvat

5' 10"
Third Year
3
K/P
Aidan Nemeth

#7 Aidan Nemeth

6' 0"
Third Year
2
REC
Anthony Sestanovic

#17 Anthony Sestanovic

6' 0"
Third Year
3
LB
Isaiah Shields

#28 Isaiah Shields

6' 2"
Second Year
2
RB
Lucas Barresi

#3 Lucas Barresi

6' 4"
First Year
1
QB
Shane Wismer

#87 Shane Wismer

6' 0"
First Year
1
REC
Caroline Dunlop

#12 Caroline Dunlop

5' 7"
Second Year
2
C
Chayse Palfi

#4 Chayse Palfi

5' 7"
Third Year
3
Lock
Claire Rintoul

#19 Claire Rintoul

5' 9"
Second Year
2
Lock
Bella Serrano

#2 Bella Serrano

5' 3"
Fourth Year
3
Hook
Soh-Lee Jung

#11 Soh-Lee Jung

5' 7"
First Year
1
C/Wing
Verena Marsig

#8 Verena Marsig

5' 8"
First Year
1
FL