After an undefeated regular season last year, the Bishop’s Gaiters lacrosse team fell short at the Baggataway Cup national championship tournament. This year they expect to once again be a contender and compete against any team. So far, in early September, they have done just that. 

Sept. 10 @ Nipissing

For their first game of the season, the Gaiters went on a long road trip all the way to North Bay, Ontario to play against Nipissing University. The Gaiters did not play Nipissing last year and before that, had not beaten them since 2017.

There was great goaltending throughout the game from Sebastien Elie while the defence took some pressure off the Bishop’s offence. Captain and senior forward Jake Gasperetti led the Gaiters with four goals, while Tony Tremblay, David Rossiter, and rookie Logan Forkey each scored two. Bishop’s went on to win 11-4.

Sept. 11 @ Carleton

The next day the Gaiters travelled to Ottawa for the second leg of their weekend road trip. They faced off against Carleton University, a team the Gaiters have not lost to since 2010.

Expectations were high for another easy win, but the Carleton Ravens were not going to roll over without a fight. Lots of penalties and sloppy play in the second half helped Carleton battle back from a 7-2 deficit to within a one-goal difference with a minute left to play. 

A rush down the field looked like it might send the game to overtime, but Sebastien Elie made a heroic split save to keep the 7-6 victory. David Rossiter and Hank Wulder each scored twice for Bishop’s in a relative off night for the Gaiters. 

Sept. 17 vs Ottawa

The long-awaited home opener was a joyous affair for the Gaiters. Taking on the Ottawa Gee-Gee’s on Coulter Field Saturday night, a huge crowd gathered in the stands.

Sporting purple as well as random, interesting costumes, Bishop’s supporters heckled the opposing team, all in good fun.

After a great first quarter that ended 5-0, Bishop’s was full steam ahead. Hank Wulder led the Gaiters with a hat trick, while on the back end, Sebastien Elie and Connor Bagnell put up great goaltending performances. Ottawa could not get anything going and eventually lost 11-3.

Sept. 18 vs Queen’s

Next up were the Queen’s University Gaels. A rainy day in Lennoxville was the stage for the Gaiters’ toughest challenge of the year. Queen’s jumped out to a one-goal lead early but after Bishop’s recovered, the Gaels would not lead again.

The game was always close, within a couple of goals. 2021 All-Canadians Gasperetti and Wulder each had monster games for Bishop’s, with four goals each. Bishop’s wound up topping Queen’s 10-7 for their fourth win of the year.

On Sunday, Sept. 25, Bishop’s hosted the Trent University Excalibur on Coulter Field. Trent and Bishop’s are the only two teams in the Eastern conference that are still undefeated. Only one will remain after Sunday’s contest.

Afterwards, on Thursday, Sept. 29, the Gaiters lacrosse team will kick off Bishop’s homecoming weekend with their annual game against their biggest rivals, the McGill Martlets.