Ravens knock off three-time defending champion Varsity Blues to capture OUA crown
Photo by: Murray McComb
Story by: Sarah Jean Maher
The host Carleton Ravens men’s water polo team knocked off the three-time defending champion Toronto Varsity Blues 9-8 on Sunday afternoon to capture the OUA title.
The win marked the second championship in the history of the Carleton program. The Ravens last won in 2007-08 and have been the only team to win the title other than the Varsity Blues since 2004-05.
Carleton was able to hold the lead many times throughout the game, but the competition was fierce as the Varsity Blues tied it up every time.
With less than two minutes remaining in the game, Charles Bouwer (Ottawa) would score what proved to be the game-winning goal to lead Carleton to victory.
Rookie Andrew Di Perna (Ottawa) was also integral to the Ravens’ championship win, leading the team with three goals. Luke Spooner (Auckland, New Zealand) collected an impressive five goals for the Varsity Blues in the loss.
The Ravens advanced to the championship game by defeating the McMaster Marauders 7-4 in semifinal action earlier in the day.
Ognjen Gutovic (Cacak, Serbia) played a big role in the victory, leading the Ravens with three goals. Rich Saunders (Hamilton) was the top scorer for McMaster with two goals.
The Varsity Blues defeated the York Lions 15-8 in the other semifinal matchup.
Semifinal score by period:
Ravens: 2+0+3+2=7
Marauders: 1+1+1+1=4
Top scorers:
Ravens: Ognjen Gutovic – 3
Marauders: Rich Saunders – 2
Championship score by period:
Ravens: 3+2+1+3=9
Varsity Blues: 2+1+2+3=8
Top scorers:
Ravens: Andrew Di Perna – 3 goals
Varsity Blues: Luke Spooner – 2 goals
Player of the game:
Andrew Di Perna – Carleton
Championship All-Stars:
Charles Bouwer – Carleton
Ognjen Gutovic – Carleton
Milos Radojcic – Toronto
Alan Chung – Toronto
Jack Park – McMaster
Straun Wefers – York
Goaltender: Ben Bouwer – Carleton
Final Standings:
1. Carleton
2. Toronto
3. McMaster
4. York
5. Ottawa
6. Queen’s
7. Western
