Panthers power their way past Saint Mary's 60-5 to earn playoff spot
The UPEI Panthers used six different scorers en-route to a 60-5 victory over the hosts SMU Huskies on Sunday afternoon in Atlantic University Sport women’s rugby action from Huskies Stadium on Homecoming Weekend.
(HALIFAX, N.S.)—The UPEI Panthers used six different scorers en-route to a 60-5 victory over the hosts SMU Huskies on Sunday afternoon in Atlantic University Sport women's rugby action from Huskies Stadium on Homecoming Weekend.
Fourth-year prop Frances MacWilliam (Alberton, PE) opened the scoring early in the 3rd minute off a quick penalty tap and go for the try.
MacWilliam added her own conversion kick for the Panthers and UPEI led 7-0.
On the next kickoff, SMU was called for several high tackle penalties and UPEI chose a scrum five meters out.
Second-year hook/wing Tessa Hood (Charlottetown, PE) added her first of three trys on the afternoon and MacWilliam added the conversion kick for a quick 14-0 UPEI lead.
UPEI received the ensuing kickoff but possession was stolen by SMU's Julie Naugler (Stillwater Lake, NS) and a UPEI high tackle penalty gave SMU a chance to kick for the corner inside UPEI's 22-meter line.
Saint Mary's recycled the ball a few times, building pressure but the ball rolled out of touch and the UPEI line-out went uncontested into the center.
The Panthers proceeded to bobble the ball forward for an attacking scrum for Saint Mary's, who recycled pressure on PEI but were called for a holding on penalty.
Hood scored off the penalty and MacWilliam added the conversion kick for a 21-0 cushion.
Late tries were added in the first half by Tara Campbell (Summerside, PE) and Hood with her third of the contest for a 31-0 halftime lead.
The Panthers opened the second half with a Penalty Try and led 38-0.
Mia Fradsham (Marshfield, PE), Campbell, Madison Clements (Tyne Valley, PE) and Emily Duffy (Saint John, NB) rounded out the UPEI scoring in the second half and Fradsham added a conversion kick.
Teaghen Philip (Halifax, NS) added a late last second try for Saint Mary's, as time expired for a 60-5 UPEI win.
For her efforts, Hood was named Player of the Game.
UPEI improves to 2-3 in conference play while SMU falls to 0-5.
Both teams end the regular season this upcoming week, with SMU hosting StFX October 9th at 7 p.m. while Acadia visits UPEI October 12th at 2 p.m.
Dominic Nolasco, Saint Mary's Communications
Photo Mona Ghiz