At 4:05 p.m. on Dec. 12, Kait Bowser is supposed to be writing an exam.

Instead, in her power wheelchair, clad in a silver, white, blue and green tracksuit, she will be carrying the Olympic torch along a 300-metre stretch of Queen Elizabeth Drive.

“It’s the most amazing excuse ever,” she said, explaining that she had to talk to her professor to get her exam rescheduled. “That’s something that won’t be heard again for a while.”

Penalty shots, a goal with 10 seconds left in the game and a lot of spirit made the Carleton women’s varsity hockey team’s game against the University of McGill Marlets Nov. 28 a cause for cheering in the stands.

Despite a battle into the final seconds, the Ravens were unable to make a comeback and fell 3-1 to the Marlets.

McGill, the defending national champions, scored less than two minutes into the first period.

After that, both teams tried to force offensive plays while protecting their defensive zones.

The Ravens’ Nest was alive with the clashing of swords and bursts of cheers while Carleton hosted the Canadian Fencing Championships Nov. 26-29.

The university fencing club, along with the varsity fencing team, played host to more than 20 different fencing clubs from all over the country, competing for bragging rights and the opportunity to be recognized for upcoming prestigious events, including the 2012 Olympics in London, England.

Women varsity water polo players Annie Chinneck and Evie Marshall are not only friends in the water.

The two have been best friends and teammates for the past five years.

The girls became inseparable at a tournament five years ago, Chinneck said.

They went to Holt Renfrew in between games and tried on the most hideous dresses and couldn’t stop laughing.

Although Marshall said Chinneck isn’t the reason she came to Carleton, she said it’s been the best perk possible.

The Carleton men’s varsity basketball team’s perfect season was shattered Nov. 27 when they lost 76-73 to the Lakehead University Thunderwolves.

“We didn’t make the plays when we had to,” said team captain Mike Kenny.

The Raven’s had a solid first half and led the Thunderwolves 45-35 going into the break thanks to an impressive effort from Elliot Thompson, who ended the game with 25 points and eight rebounds.

However, the Thunderwolves weren’t ready to give up their perfect 6-0 season so easily.