The Algoma University Thunderbirds wrapped up their 2026 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) women’s and men’s soccer seasons over the weekend of October 17 and 18, hosting the Western Mustangs at Superior Heights in Sault Ste. Marie.
Both Algoma programs entered the final weekend still searching for their first OUA victory of the season. While the Thunderbirds faced a difficult challenge against Western, Sunday’s games also provided an opportunity to recognize the graduating student-athletes who have helped shape the programs over the past several seasons.
Prior to Sunday’s contests, Algoma honoured women’s soccer players Berlyn Killoran, Samantha Mazzuca and Taya Shackleton, along with men’s players Joshua Bondoc and Brauen Morris, celebrating their contributions to the Thunderbirds both on and off the pitch.
Women’s Soccer: Western Takes Two Wins
The Western Mustangs opened the weekend with a 4-0 victory over the Algoma women on Saturday.
Western struck early, with Cauvais Deane opening the scoring at 6:10 of the first half off an assist from Marisa Crane. The Mustangs added to their lead at 39:11 when Emily Foster scored unassisted to make it 2-0 heading into the break.
Western continued to apply pressure in the second half. Jacqueline Brown extended the advantage to 3-0 at 61:29 before Dominique Robinson added the fourth goal at 65:18, completing the Saturday scoring.
Algoma goalkeeper Paisley Pennington faced 10 shots and recorded six saves as the Mustangs secured the shutout.
Western completed the weekend sweep on Sunday with a 3-0 victory.
The Mustangs wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as Mara Sanauceanu found the back of the net at 4:19, with Brown collecting the assist. Western doubled its lead at the 10-minute mark when Helena McLellan scored her first goal of the season, again assisted by Brown.
The visitors carried their 2-0 advantage into halftime before Jasmine McCatty added an unassisted goal at 46:26 to round out the scoring.
Algoma goalkeeper Carolina Trs made four saves on seven shots faced. Western’s goalkeeping tandem of Astrid Hancocks and Alexandra Orr helped secure the shutout, with Hancocks recording one save.
Despite the results, the weekend marked the conclusion of another season of development and competition for the Thunderbirds, with the graduating players receiving recognition for their commitment to the program.
Men’s Soccer: Thunderbirds Finish with Sunday Goal
The Western Mustangs earned a 4-0 victory over the Algoma men on Saturday, scoring twice in the opening half.
Alan Monyard opened the scoring at 4:23, finishing a play set up by Ennis Bernaus. Bernaus then found the net himself at 36:36 to give Western a two-goal advantage.
The Mustangs added two more goals in the second half to complete the shutout. Algoma’s Anthony Berganaza and Peter Rogenthien shared the goalkeeping duties, facing six shots as the visitors finished with four goals.
The Thunderbirds showed a response on Sunday, opening the scoring just 1:45 into the contest to take an early 1-0 lead.
The available game statistics listed Calen Doobay and Alessandro Cenedese with two shots apiece for Algoma, while Lilian Benjamin recorded one shot. For Western, Gianluca Decandido led the listed shot totals with three, while Callum Yuile and Stefan Musta each recorded one.
Although the complete final score and remaining scoring details were not available in the game information provided, Algoma’s early goal gave the Thunderbirds a positive moment in their final match of the 2026 campaign.
Celebrating the Graduating Thunderbirds
Sunday’s recognition ceremony was an important part of the weekend, allowing Algoma to celebrate five student-athletes moving on from their university soccer careers.
For the graduating players, the experience extended far beyond wins and losses. Their reflections highlighted friendships, personal development, leadership, resilience and the lasting connections formed through university athletics.
Samantha Mazzuca: Leadership, Friendship and Four Years of Memories
A centre-back from Sault Ste. Marie studying Social Work, Samantha Mazzuca reflected on the relationships and experiences that made her four years with the women’s program special.
Among her favourite memories were preseason trips, bus karaoke, team events in Toronto and the friendships she developed with her teammates. Serving as captain was another meaningful part of her experience, giving her the opportunity to grow as a leader and support those around her.
Mazzuca said playing for the Thunderbirds helped her develop discipline, commitment and the ability to push through challenges, while teaching her to balance academics, soccer, work and other responsibilities.
As she moves into the next chapter of her life, she will carry the relationships, leadership skills and lessons learned throughout her university career. Although her final season is bittersweet, Mazzuca expressed pride in representing Algoma and hope that the program will continue to grow and succeed.
Taya Shackleton: A Goal and Memories That Will Last a Lifetime
A forward from Sault Ste. Marie studying Biology, Taya Shackleton pointed to the friendships she developed with teammates and staff as some of the most memorable parts of her time at Algoma.
Her first goal as a Thunderbird stands out as a particularly special moment. For Shackleton, the memory was about more than scoring. It was the excitement of her teammates, the support of her family on the sidelines and the pride she saw from her coaches.
Shackleton said her experience taught her discipline, resilience, time management and the importance of working toward a common goal. Balancing university studies with athletics and other responsibilities helped her grow both as a player and as a person.
As she looks ahead, Shackleton will take the lessons, friendships and confidence she gained through the program into the next stage of her life. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities Algoma provided and said she will always be proud to call herself a Thunderbird.
Berlyn Killoran: Perseverance Through Four Years of Change
Berlyn Killoran, a Sault Ste. Marie native studying Business Administration, reflected on four years with the Algoma Thunderbirds women’s soccer program, highlighting the friendships, preseason experiences and personal growth that shaped her university career.
Among Killoran’s most memorable experiences were the team’s preseason training trips to Toronto, particularly during her final three years. Each trip involved a week of daily training, exhibition games and opportunities to explore the city together. While the trips helped prepare the Thunderbirds for the upcoming season, Killoran said the experiences also strengthened team relationships and created lasting memories beyond the soccer field.
On the field, Killoran’s experience was shaped by the program’s small roster, which gave her the opportunity to play almost every minute of every game throughout her four years. She described the responsibility and consistency as a valuable and unique part of her university soccer career, one she remains grateful to have experienced.
Off the field, the relationships she developed with former and current teammates were among the most meaningful parts of her time at Algoma.
Killoran also reflected on the challenges she navigated throughout her four years, including playing under six different coaches. Those experiences helped her grow as both an athlete and an individual, teaching her the importance of perseverance, adaptability and maintaining a strong mindset during difficult circumstances.
As she moves forward beyond university soccer, Killoran will carry those lessons with her, particularly the ability to remain committed, work through adversity and adapt to changing situations. Her experience reflects the dedication required to represent the Thunderbirds through both challenging periods and memorable moments, leaving her with lasting friendships and valuable life lessons.
Joshua Bondoc: From Difficult Lessons to Defining Victories
Men’s goalkeeper Joshua Bondoc, who studied Law and Justice and Political Science, reflected on how far the program had come during his time at Algoma.
One of his most memorable moments was a 3-1 victory over York, a team he described as the country’s top-ranked program at the time. For Bondoc, the result represented the payoff from a three-year process of rebuilding and improvement.
He recalled losing 12-1 to York during his rookie season, a difficult experience that made the later victory especially meaningful.
Bondoc said the experience taught him to remain resilient, work hard and take accountability even when circumstances are challenging. Rather than giving up when things are not going well, he emphasized the importance of working with teammates and continuing to strive for improvement.
As he closes his university soccer career, Bondoc leaves with pride in the progress he witnessed and helped build, along with lessons he hopes to carry into every aspect of his life.
Brauen Morris: Lasting Bonds On and Off the Pitch
Men’s player Brauen Morris, who studied Geography and is from Hammond, Ontario, highlighted the memories and relationships formed throughout his time with the Thunderbirds.
Playing his first OUA game was among his most memorable experiences, along with travelling to Nova Scotia for preseason. Morris said the experiences both on and off the field helped create lasting bonds with his teammates.
As he moves into the next chapter of his life, Morris will take with him the memories shared with the group and the lessons he learned throughout his university soccer career.
His reflections echoed a common theme among the graduating players: university soccer is about much more than what happens during the 90 minutes of a match.
Looking Ahead
The weekend against Western brought the 2026 OUA soccer season to a close for both Algoma programs. While the Thunderbirds were unable to secure their first league victory of the campaign, the final home dates provided an opportunity to recognize the dedication of their student-athletes and celebrate the experiences that make university sports meaningful.
For the five graduating Thunderbirds, the end of the season marked the beginning of a new chapter beyond competitive university soccer. Their reflections offered a reminder that the value of representing Algoma extends beyond the scoreboard, through friendships, leadership, perseverance and personal growth.
As the Thunderbirds look toward the future, the graduating players leave behind memories and contributions that will remain part of their programs long after their final matches.
