Yesterday was a full and exciting day for Team NL, with all of our teams in competition. I had the pleasure of watching wrestling, baseball, box lacrosse, and athletics, each showcasing the hard work and dedication of our athletes.

In the evening, Team NL hosted a Coach & Manager Reception at Canada Games House. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with many of our incredible coaches and managers who have spent the past year or more preparing our athletes to perform at their very best. While the revised schedule prevented some from attending, we encourage everyone to take a moment to thank those who have guided and supported you throughout this journey.

Best of luck to all of our competitors as they continue to make us proud!

Team NL men’s volleyball pulled off a huge upset this morning, taking down powerhouse British Columbia in a nail-biting five-set match.

After dropping the opening set 25-12, it looked like a tough road ahead. But the boys showed grit and determination, storming back to take the next two sets 25-21 and 25-23. BC fought back to even things up with a 25-16 win in the fourth, setting the stage for a dramatic fifth set.

With nerves high and the crowd on edge, Team NL held strong. Libero Jackson Rideout came up clutch, refusing to let a ball hit the floor and helping seal the 18-16 victory in the fifth and final set.

The win secures Team NL a spot in the quarterfinals, where they’ll face Team Alberta tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. Let’s go Team NL!

Team NL had an upsetting loss in their first of three games today. Despite their effort, they couldn't find the momentum needed to pull through, and now look to bounce back in their remaining matchups.

Team NL came out swinging in game 2 of 3 with an 11-4 win over Team MB! 🔥 The bats were hot all game long, and Mark Corbett made it extra special with a big 1 run shot — his first of the tournament! 💪⚾ Great team effort at the plate today!

In their third and final game of the day they fell to Saskatchewan 8-5 after a heavy 7th inning from their opponents. 

Team NL’s women’s baseball team battled Alberta tonight at the Gushue Sports Complex, putting in their strongest defensive effort of the tournament.

Kate Lombard and Jenny Murphy opened the first inning with hits but were left stranded. In the second, Kirsten Hudson made history with the team’s first pick-off of the tournament before leaving with an ankle injury. Murphy then stepped in to pitch five solid innings.

Greta Andrews singled in the second and was driven home by a Grace McGrath double off the fence. In the third, Lombard and Murphy both walked and stole bases, while in the fifth, NL added another run after hits from Julia Sharpe, Callie Ash, and Lombard. McGrath added another single in the sixth but was left on base.

Despite NL’s strong play and eight hits, Alberta’s bats came alive, scoring 12 runs on 13 hits to secure the win.

Team NL will return to action Saturday at 12:00 p.m. at the Gushue Sports Complex to determine seventh or eighth place.

The Canada Games Women's Volleyball match between Team NL and Team PEI was nothing short of electric, with both teams leaving everything on the court. The momentum swung back and forth all night, each set filled with clutch plays, big blocks, and fearless rallies that had the crowd on edge. 

After splitting the first four sets, it all came down to a fifth-set thriller, where every point felt like a championship moment. In the end, despite their relentless fight and never-say-die attitude, Team NL came up just short in the fifth and deciding set, falling 15-12 in a heartbreaking barn burner that will be remembered for its intensity and heart.

This afternoon, Team NL shined in the Solo Free event with incredible performances from Abigail Porter and Mia Fradsham.

The excitement continued this evening with the Duet Free!

Cheering on the Hickey twins, Abby & Emma, along with the dynamic duo Abigail Tee & Amelia Coady as they showcased their teamwork, artistry, and strength to the pool.

Proud of all our athletes representing Team NL with heart and determination!

In a battle for first place in Group D and a semifinal berth, Team NL and Alberta delivered a thrilling match in front of 1,000+ fans. The pace was fast and chances came at both ends, with NL narrowly missing twice—once off the crossbar and once off the post. Alberta struck late in first-half stoppage time to take a 1-0 lead into the break.

NL answered in the 54th minute when Millie Janes buried a perfect cross from Gina Power, her third goal of the tournament, sending the hometown crowd into celebration. The back line of Jorja Row and Rachel Slaney stood tall, while keeper Carly Coffey came up with key saves. Bailey Andrews showed grit and skill in the midfield, sparking several plays.

Neither side could find the winner, and after 80 minutes plus added time, penalty kicks decided it. Janes scored first for NL, but Alberta responded and went on to win the shootout 4-2.

With the result, NL finished second in the group and will face PEI on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at KGV. The winner advances to the 5th/6th place game Sunday, while the loser plays for 7th/8th. Let's cheer them on! 

It was another full house in Paradise again today as Team NL battled Team Saskatchewan. 

Team NL had a very strong first period as we held Saskatchewan to 3 goals while we were out shot 28-5.  

Team NL held Team Saskatchewan to 2 goals in the second period on the back of some great goaltending.  Shots after two are 49-10.  Team NL had another strong period with fantastic ball movement and work ethic.  

In the end it was Saskatchewan with the win with NL being outshot 74-10.  

Now it’s wait and see who we play on Saturday.  

Team NL Golf hit the course for Round 3 today, battling the wind once again, but this time under some much-welcomed sunshine. The team delivered strong drives, sharp chips, and steady putts, showing both skill and determination. As every golfer knows, the game can be equal parts fun and frustrating, but Team NL continues to rise to the challenge.

Results after Round 3:

Male

• Sam Fisher – 16th overall

• Lucan Meade – 20th overall

Female

• Freya Snook – 13th overall

• Mila Snook – 14th overall

Team NL currently sits 10th in the overall standings, with one final round to climb the leaderboard. Let’s cheer them on as they aim to finish strong!

Day 4 of competition brought plenty of action for Team NL Wrestling.

The female team opened against a tough Nova Scotia squad. Despite the loss, Hannah Coombs (50kg) put on a strong, back-and-forth performance that could have gone either way. The women will wrap up round robin play Friday morning at 10:15 a.m. at The Glacier against Manitoba.

The male team had a spirited match versus Nunavut, thrilling fans with an exciting dual. Victories came from Nicholas Crocker (60kg), Taras Tsaban (65kg), Afshin Hakimi (71kg), Jake Vincent (77kg), Luke McPherson (92kg), Danyael Jacobs (100kg), and Peyton Hunt (120kg).

Later in the afternoon, the team faced Nova Scotia but were unable to keep their momentum, dropping the dual despite another strong performance from Tsaban (65kg). With qualifications now complete, the boys await their playoff opponent.

This morning, the MTB team gathered early to give their bikes some much-needed attention. After a thorough tune-up and maintenance session, the riders enjoyed a short, light training ride to loosen up and stay sharp without overexerting themselves.

With the remainder of the day designated as a rest day, the team took full advantage of the beautiful sunshine to relax and recharge. As part of their downtime, they visited the Canada Games House, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and camaraderie ahead of tomorrow’s race.

Rested and ready, the team is looking forward to giving their best performance on race day!

Team NL Athletics started their non-competition day cheering on the male volleyball team in their nail biting 5 set win over BC. Being able to watch fellow Team NL teammates is the true spirit of the Canada Games and on full display here in St John’s. 

In the afternoon there was some light training to get ready for medal events tomorrow and Saturday. A day of no competition was well deserved after two long days at the track and field complex. Performances to date have garnered the attention of the province and local media, with many athletes being interviewed to showcase their great stories and achievements.