VICTORIA - The University of Victoria women's rugby team claimed its first victory over mainland rivals University of British Columbia since 2019, clinching a 22-17 victory in the 2024 season-opener, Sept. 7 at Wallace Field.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Addai scores first half hat trick

• Vikes newcomer Maya Addai registered a three-try performance in the first half. Opening the scoring in the sixth minute, Addai found open space on the right side of the field, running the ball into the end zone and touching it down for the 5-0 Vikes lead.
• Similarly, in the 13th minute, a quick flip from Larah Wright out to Addai on the run resulted in the Vikes' second try of the day and 10-0 lead.
• Addai earned a hat trick in the 35th minute with her third and final try of the day, breaking away from the oncoming defenders at the halfway line to take the ball all the way to the end zone. With a successful convert by Kira Peary, the Vikes held a 10-point advantage at halftime, 17-7.

UBC ties it to open second half 

• UBC opened the second half scoring with a try in the 57th minute, pulling back within five, 17-12.
• Not even 10 minutes later, the tying try for the Thunderbirds was scored, pulling the score even at 17-17 in the 66th minute.

Norsten wins it for the Vikes

• The game-winning try came in the 79th minute, as the Vikes came out of a scrum and began working the ball to the right side of the field. Finding Carissa Norsten, the third-year out-ran the oncoming defenders to touch the ball down and secure the win for the Vikes, 22-17.

FROM THE FIELD - Brittany Waters
"Obviously very happy with the win. It's been a long time since we've won this first game against UBC. To be honest, we're really more about focusing on what we need to achieve to be the best possible team in U SPORTS this year. It's great to have a win and celebrate that, but more importantly, we need to go back, watch the film, and learn how to get better. That's going to be our main focus. It's a good start; we wanted to set a new standard coming off of a great season last year and having a lot of new people coming into the fold this year. I thought we did that. I'm excited to find the opportunities for growth and continue to come into Canada West games stronger than ever."

WORTH NOTING

• The Vikes' win over UBC was the program's first in 15s action since Sept. 15, 2019.
• The win also marks the Vikes' first season-opening win since 2019, an 18-17 victory over Calgary, Sept. 8.
• Maya Addai led the Vikes' scoring with three tries for a total of 15 points. Carissa Norsten added five points with a try, while Kira Peary tallied two points on a successful convert.
• The Vikes start the year 1-0 with the win, while UBC falls to 0-1 after the season-opener.

UP NEXT
Victoria takes on the University of Lethbridge as their next opponent Thursday, Sept. 12 at 5 p.m. on Wallace Field. Get your tickets here or tune in on Canada West TV.