Underdog Story: Travelers’ Unexpected Success

In a stunning return to the College Provincial College Championship of Men’s D2 of the RSEQ after nearly two decades, the Cégep de Sept-Îles Travelers have clinched the silver medal. The championship took place in beauce on April 5th and 6th, marking a significant achievement for the team.

Championship Showdown: A Hard-Fought Final

The Travelers, led by head coach Jean-François lachance, faced a tough challenge in the gold medal final against the Ahuntsic College Aigles. Despite a valiant effort, they were defeated (17-25, 29-27, 11-15), allowing the Aigles to retain their championship title. The Sept-Îles team had previously lost to Ahuntsic (17-25, 21-25) earlier in the competition on Saturday.

Coach’s Pride: Acknowledging the Team’s Journey

Despite the disappointment of falling short in the final, Coach Lachance expressed immense pride in his team’s remarkable performance throughout the tournament. Entering as the sixth-ranked team, they overcame higher-seeded opponents to reach the championship game. This unexpected success highlights the team’s resilience and determination.

We were the underdog throughout the tournament and we finish with the silver medal. It is a feat for guys and for Cégep.
Jean-François Lachance, Head Coach

Lachance further reflected on the team’s journey, acknowledging the importance of their accomplishment.

The defeat is flat, but with a step back, it’s a whole trip.
Jean-François Lachance, Head Coach

Exceeding Expectations: A Season of Surprises

Reflecting on the season, Coach Lachance admitted that he would have considered it improbable if someone had predicted a provincial championship medal for his team at the outset. His overwhelming pride in the players underscores the magnitude of their achievement.

If he had been told at the start of the season that his training would win a medal in the provincial championship, I would have treated them with madmen. I am excessively proud of these guys.
jean-François Lachance, Head Coach

The Decisive Factors: Small Margins in the Final

According to Jean-François Lachance, the final outcome hinged on minor details that ultimately favored their opponents. He acknowledged the Aigles’ superior performance, stating, we were beaten by better.

Triumphant Victories En Route to the final

The Travelers demonstrated their competitive spirit by rebounding from their initial loss and securing crucial victories against formidable opponents. They triumphed over Garneau (27-25, 25-18), Drummondville (28-30, 25-23, 15-9), and John Abbott in the semi-final (25-21, 25-19). Notably, they were the only team to defeat the Ahuntsic aigles during the 2024-2025 season, including both regular season and championship matches.