The University of Victoria women's rugby team tied Meraloma 19-19 at Connaught Park in Vancouver on Saturday afternoon, March 12. With the draw, the Vikes register their first point of the season after two previous defeats to United and Velox in Womens Adidas Premiership Division play.  The Vikes record now stands at 0-2-1.

“We held the play for most of the game and we were able to frustrate our opponents for long spells during the match”, said Brad Skene, head coach of the UVic women's rugby team. “I am very pleased with the performance today and I am a little disappointed that we weren't able to come away with the win.”

The Vikes maintained the lead for most of the match against the formidable Meraloma squad, before surrendering points in the final 15 minutes of play.

#Chelsey Minter#, #Cassandra Stevens# and #Jesse Olynyk# each scored a try for the Vikes. #Randi Hunt# also contributed on offence for the Vikes with two converts.

Second-year lock #Abby Goodwin# provided the physical spark for the women's squad, while freshman #Emilie Cooper# also delivered an outstanding performance.  

A major positive for the Vikes sqaud is that they were able to maintain the speedy Brittany Waters for much of the contest. Waters' is both a member of the Canadian National Women's Sevens and 15s teams.     

“I am particulary pleased with the contributions from some of our younger player,” Skene said. “This was a positive result for the program as we re-enter premier league play.”      

The Vikes will look to build on their strong performance as they return to the mainland next weekend to take on Capilano at Klahanie Park in West Vancouver on Saturday, March 19, at 11:30 a.m.