Bishop’s Gaiters claim RSEQ titles, advance to U SPORTS championships
Record Staff
The Bishop’s University Gaiters celebrated a historic weekend as both the men’s and women’s basketball teams secured RSEQ Championships, while the women’s hockey team advanced to the U SPORTS Nationals for the first time in program history. The victories mark a major milestone for Bishop’s athletics, highlighting the talent and determination of the university’s student-athletes.
The information was provided by Marty Rourke, Manager of Athletics & Recreation Communications at Bishop’s University.
Women’s basketball ends 21-year title drought
In Quebec City, the Bishop’s Gaiters women’s basketball team stunned the Laval Rouge et Or with a hard-fought 56-50 victory on Saturday afternoon, capturing their first RSEQ title in 21 years. Conference MVP Victoria Gauna delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 20 points and grabbing 14 rebounds to lead her team to victory. The Gaiters’ strong defensive effort and clutch performances down the stretch helped them overcome the perennial powerhouse Rouge et Or.
With the win, Bishop’s punches its ticket to the U SPORTS Final-8 in Vancouver, B.C., set to take place from March 13-16. The national tournament will feature the top eight teams from across the country competing for the championship title. The Gaiters will find out their seed and first-round opponent when the tournament brackets are announced on Sunday, March 9.
Men’s basketball wins championship on home court
The Gaiters men’s basketball team delivered a dominant performance in front of a sold-out Mitchell Gym crowd, defeating the Concordia Stingers 75-61 on Saturday night to claim the 2025 RSEQ Championship.
Forward Etienne Gagnon led the way with an impressive 22 points and 19 rebounds, controlling both ends of the court. The Gaiters showcased their defensive strength and rebounding ability, shutting down the Stingers’ offense in the second half to secure the victory. The championship is Bishop’s first since 2020 and guarantees their spot in the 2025 U SPORTS Final-8 in Vancouver.
Like their women’s counterparts, the men’s team will learn their national tournament seed on March 9 before heading to British Columbia to compete for the national title from March 13-16.
Women’s hockey makes program history
The Bishop’s Gaiters women’s hockey team continued their remarkable postseason run with a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Montreal Carabins in their RSEQ semifinal series. With the win, Bishop’s swept the series 2-0 and clinched a spot in the U SPORTS Nationals for the first time in program history.
Gabrielle Santerre played the hero, scoring the game-winning goal with 3:36 left in the first overtime period. The goal, assisted by RSEQ Rookie of the Year Daphne Boutin, was Santerre’s second game-winner in as many games. The Gaiters had to battle back from a 3-1 third-period deficit, displaying resilience and determination to force overtime before sealing the victory.
Bishop’s now advances to the RSEQ Championship series, where they will face the top-seeded Concordia Stingers in a best-of-three showdown. The series opens on Thursday, March 6, in Montreal, with Game 2 set for Saturday, March 8, in Lennoxville. If necessary, a deciding Game 3 will be played on Sunday, March 9, at Concordia.
A day to remember for the Gaiters
March 1, 2025, proved to be a landmark day for Bishop’s University athletics. The three key victories happened in quick succession:
- 3:42 PM – The women’s basketball team defeated Laval in Quebec City.
- 4:17 PM – The women’s hockey team staged a dramatic comeback.
- 8:57 PM – The men’s basketball team closed out the day with a 75-61 victory over Concordia.
Gaiters making their mark
The past weekend was one of the most successful in recent memory for Bishop’s athletics, marking a resurgence for the university’s basketball programs and a historic breakthrough for women’s hockey. With championship titles secured and national aspirations ahead, the Gaiters will look to carry their momentum forward as they take on the country’s best in their respective tournaments.
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