BSB | Voyageurs Fall Just Short at Regional Playdown
Coming off a disappointing regular season, the Voyageurs have plenty to be proud of after a strong showing at their regional. However, their run ultimately came to an end with a loss to the University of Toronto.
Laurentian opened their regional tournament against TMU, turning to Clarke Preston after his outstanding performance the week prior. The first-year pitcher battled through five innings, surrendering three earned runs — though an additional three unearned runs crossed the plate. The Laurentian offense started slowly, scoring just once through four innings when catcher Dylan Rudge doubled home a run in the bottom of the second. Entering the bottom of the fifth, TMU appeared on their way to another routine win — just as they had done twice in the regular season — holding a 6–1 lead. However, the Voyageurs flipped the game on its head, scoring four runs in the fifth and five more in the sixth to take a 10–6 advantage. Kyle Kennedy played a big role in the turnaround, smacking a three-run double in the fifth inning. The Vees also took full advantage of multiple TMU errors; only three of their 10 runs were earned. Out of the bullpen, Johnny O'Reilly was excellent, covering the final four innings while allowing just one unearned run to secure the win. In a wild game that featured 11 combined errors and 17 total runs, the Voyageurs pulled off a massive upset to open their regional run.
Laurentian continued their OUA regional campaign against the Varsity Blues. Toronto struck first, scoring twice in the opening inning on a pair of wild pitches from William Arsenault, the Vees' starter. Arsenault settled down, however, tossing three straight scoreless frames to set up
the Laurentian offense in the top of the fifth. The Voyageurs erupted for six runs in the inning — though none came via an RBI hit — capitalizing on a series of Toronto errors and wild pitches. However, their advantage didn't last long, as the Blues exploded for 10 runs in the bottom of the sixth to retake control. Relief pitcher Lucas Carriere struggled, surrendering four earned runs without recording an out in the disastrous inning. Toronto went on to win 15–10, putting Laurentian on the brink of elimination.
Facing a win-or-go-home scenario, Laurentian responded with their best performance of the season against York. This game was all about pitching, as Ryan Lacasse delivered a gem. Making his fifth appearance of the year, Lacasse went eight innings, striking out six and allowing
just two runs. York starter Matthew London wasn't as sharp, giving up eight earned runs over six innings. Offensively, Devan Madore starred for the Voyageurs, launching a two-run homer in the second inning to open the scoring and later driving in three more runs. In total, five Voyageurs recorded multi-hit games in what became an offensive clinic. With their season on the line, the Vees turned in a dominant showing with an 11–2 win to keep their season alive.
After the impressive win over York, Laurentian earned a rematch with Toronto, with a spot in the OUA Championship on the line. Looking to avenge their earlier 15–10 loss, the Voyageurs struck first as a Clarke Preston sacrifice fly brought home Noah Leveille with the game's
opening run. On the mound, Laurentian handed the ball to Johnny O'Reilly, making his sixth appearance of the season. He pitched well through four innings, allowing just one run on a Diego Fuentes RBI single. But in the fifth, Toronto took control as Matt Fischer homered as part
of a two run inning to give the Blues a 3-1 lead. Laurentian clawed one back in the sixth with another Preston sacrifice fly, but Toronto starter Ethan Kwong was strong throughout, striking out eight over six innings while allowing only two runs. The score remained 3–2 until the bottom of the eighth, when Spencer Ross delivered a two-run homer as part of a four-run inning that sealed the game. Closer Patrick Staszyzyn finished the job in the ninth, securing the Varsity Blues a spot in the OUA Championship with a 7–2 win.
Although their season ended, the Voyageurs' regional run showed real progress — winning more games in three days than they had all season and setting a strong foundation for the future.
- Olly Sankar