Article content“Not much changes compared to the rest of the season,” said Willox. “We focus on how we play and our game in training and also try to learn as much about our opponents as possible from watching their game tapes.Article content“To have success at the nationals, we need to keep playing how we have been playing all season and keep ourselves calm and composed, even though this is a much bigger stage.”Article contentThe tournament’s semifinal games will be played on Thursday at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., while the bronze medal and championship matches are scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively. All game times are Atlantic.Article contentA club from Atlantic Canada has never won the CCAA men’s soccer championship.Article content Samantha Chauder of Glace Bay is in her first season with the Mount Saint Vincent Mystics of the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association. Chauder and the Mystics will play in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association national championship tournament this week in Red Deer, Alta. CONTRIBUTED/DW PHOTO DW PhotoArticle contentOFF TO ALBERTAArticle contentChauder, MacLeod and the Mystics will open their national tournament today at 1 p.m., against the St. Clair Saints of Windsor, Ont.Article contentThe Halifax-based school secured its spot in the tournament by claiming the ACAA championship with a 3-1 win over the University of New Brunswick Saint John in the championship game on Oct. 26 in Cornwall, P.E.I.Article contentArticle content“We had a really close group and the chemistry translated to the field,” said Chauder. “Everyone played their role and we pushed each other to get better every day, and it paid off in the end with an Atlantic championship.”Article contentIt was a tough season for Chauder individually.Article contentThe Glace Bay forward started the season scoring three goals in her first three games of her rookie campaign before missing most of the regular season with a sprained ankle. She returned to the lineup prior to the start of the playoffs, scoring in the league semifinal game.Article content“I feel like I bring speed, grit and a bit of unpredictability to our lineup,” said Chauder. “I feel like I’m confident on the ball and always look to create something different up top. I also feel I bring versatility, which allows me to adapt to different positions at the top three, depending on what the team needs.”Article contentArticle contentThe Mystics finished the regular season with a 9-1-2 record and in second place in the seven-team conference.Article contentAlong with Mount Saint Vincent and St. Clair, the tournament will also feature Aigles de Ahuntsic of Montreal, Elans de Garneau of Quebec City, VIU Mariners of Nanaimo, B.C., Brandon University of Brandon, Man., CUE Thunder of Edmonton, and the Red Deer Queens of Red Deer, Alta.Article contentMacLeod said the bar has been set high for the group after the club posted an undefeated record at the ACAA championship tournament.Article content“We’ve got a lot of seniors who have been the backbone of this program for several years now,” she said. “I think their experience, combined with an eager group of young players, have really set the tone for everything they were able to accomplish so far this season.”Article contentMacLeod doesn’t anticipate the club making many changes when it comes to its play going into the national tournament.
Cape Breton soccer players, coach aim for college national championship titles
