Quebec City, Que. – The eighth-seeded University of Victoria women's rugby team's spectacular run at the 2023 U SPORTS Championships came to an end with a 32-13 loss to sixth seed and defending U SPORTS champions Université Laval, Nov. 5 at Stade
Telus -
Université Laval to finish as national runners-up in the program's first-ever championship final appearance.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Finding the end zone early, a Vikes lineout resulted in a 10-yard pack push over the line with Madison Jumeau carrying the ball for the first try of the game in the second minute. A successful convert from Maggie MacKinnon put UVic in front, 7-0.
- Five minutes later, Laval evened the score with a try and convert, 7-7.
- A penalty goal from 25 yards out on the left side by MacKinnon in the 15th minute gave the Vikes the lead once again, 10-7.
- The Rouge et Or recovered a kick in the end zone to add a try to their lead, 12-10 in the 17th minute.
- MacKinnon added a second penalty goal in the 22nd minute for a one-point Vikes lead, 13-12.
- Laval struck once more with a try in the final seconds of the first half, resulting in a 19-13 lead after 40 minutes of play for the hosts.
- Unable to catch up to the Rouge et Or's two tries and penalty goal in the second half, the Vikes ended in silver medallist position by a score of 32-13.
WORTH NOTING
- The Vikes finished with their highest-ever program finish at the U SPORTS championships, taking second place. The championship final appearance was the first for the program.
- Jumeau's try marked her first of the season for the Vikes.
- MacKinnon recorded at least half of the Vikes' points in all three games at the national championships, tallying eight in today's championship final.
- Laval's lead in the 17th minute marked the first time in the national championship tournament the Vikes had trailed in a game.
- Faith Tilley earned U SPORTS Player of the Game honours for the Vikes, also garnering a nod to the Championship All-Star team alongside teammates MacKinnon, Larah Wright, and Maelle Reed.
- The Vikes end the 2023 15s season with a 6-4 overall record.
