Sophie de Goede of the Queen's Gaels finds some open field as she runs the ball during Wednesday evening's quarterfinal match with the UBC Thunderbirds at the U SPORTS Women's Rugby Championship, being hosted by Queen's. (Photo by Robin Kasem)
A University of Ottawa player runs the ball while being pursued by a player from St. Francis Xavier during the opening game at the U SPORTS Women's Rugby Championship.- A player from Acadia University is brought down by a group of Laval defenders during their game at Nixon Field on Wednesday.
- A University of Guelph player tries to break free from her UVic pursuers as the two teams met Wednesday at the U SPORTS Women's Rugby Championship.
An incredible opening day of the U SPORTS Women's Rugby Championship was capped off with the host Queen’s Gaels defeating the UBC Thunderbirds 33-26 in the fourth quarterfinal match at Nixon Field on Wednesday.
The national tournament brings together the eight best women’s rugby teams from across the country. It’s the first time Queen’s has hosted the event since 2015.
In the day’s other matchups the Ottawa Gee-Gees beat the St. Francis Xavier X-Women 40-12; the UVic Vikes topped the Guelph Gryphons 21-10; and the defending champion Laval Rouge et Or downed the Acadia Axewomen 46-12.
The Gaels face the Rouge et Or in Friday’s semifinal at 7:30 pm and the Gee-Gees and Vikes will square off at 5 pm. The winners of these matches will play for the national title on Sunday at 3:30 pm. All games are at Nixon Field.
Tournament passes and tickets can be purchased here. The tournament is being livestreamed on CBC Gem and CBCSports.ca.
The Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship will take place Nov. 24-28. Tournament passes are on sale now.
Visit the Queen’s Gael’s website for updated scores and more information on student-athletes and events.
Gaels Game Recap
Queen’s jumped out to an early 14-0 lead with tries by Maddy Kushner, and Hannah Daniels, which were both converted by Sophie de Goede.
After UBC cut the Gaels’ lead in half, de Goede scored and converted Queen’s third try of the game.
UBC would respond again before Jaden Walker added a try late in the first half to give Queen's a 26-14 lead at half time.
The Thunderbirds would score the first two tries of the second half to even the score before Bridget Peros scored late, and de Goede converted, to give the Gaels the seven-point win.