Vancouver, BC – The University of Victoria women's rugby team beat the University of Guelph 42-0, Oct. 31, to earn a ticket to the U SPORTS Championships finals.
The first half was all Vikes as the scoring started early.
- In the first minute of the game, the Vikes took the available points as Olivia Newsome nailed a penalty goal kick from long range. Her kick pushed the Vikes out to an early 3-0 lead in stormy conditions.
- The Vikes kept the pressure on as Vanessa Chiappetta and Ella O'Regan executed textbook passing, leading to Eden Kilgour finding space and touching the ball down in the try zone. Her score in the 14th minute extended the Vikes' lead to 8-0.
- The Vikes found themselves once again with a penalty goal attempt, and Olivia Newsome made no mistake. With the wind and rain both playing a factor, Newsome displayed her kicking talents as she split the uprights for another three points.
- Maggie Mackinnon joined the scoring column as she dashed down the field and weaved through Gryphon defenders virtually untouched and into the try zone. Mackinnon's first postseason try and Newsome's convert made it an 18-0 lead for the Vikes.
- Vanessa Chiappetta added another try to the Vikes' scoring onslaught as she dodged defenders and cruised into the try zone. Newsome converted yet another conversion for a 25-0 Vikes' lead.
- As the first half was coming to a close, the Gryphons committed another penalty. Newsome nailed her third penalty kick of the half, which gave Victoria a 28-0 halftime lead.
The second half began exactly how the first half ended.
- The second half scoring started with Kyla Warren putting her head down and storming through one defender after another. Her determination earned her a try, and with a good conversion kick from Newsome, pushed the lead out further to 35-0.
- The Vikes remained relentless on attack as they continued to push forward. With the ball on the edge of the Gryphon's try zone, Emma Grootendorst powered her way over the line. This score, along with Newsome's conversion, secured the Vikes' win at 42-0.
Notables
- Vanessa Chiappetta was awarded the Nike Player of the Game honours for her offensive efforts in securing the semi-final victory.
With the win, the Vikes will move on to play the winner of Queen's and UBC, Nov. 2, for the U SPORTS Championship.
