Panthers best SMU 32-0 in Huskies' home opener
The Saint Mary’s University Huskies opened their home schedule in AUS Women’s Rugby action as they played host to the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers Saturday afternoon.
Halifax, N.S.—The Saint Mary's University Huskies opened their home schedule in AUS Women's Rugby action as they played host to the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers Saturday afternoon.
On a beautiful day for rugby, the opening half saw the visiting Panthers strike first when a Huskies penalty deep in their end awarded a penalty kick; which was easily made by UPEI's Mia Fradsham to go up 3-0.
Fifteen minutes later the Panthers recovering a Huskies turnover and made a long push down the field that culminated with a try by Tessa Hood and with the Fradsham conversion the Panthers increased their lead to 10-0.
Both teams clashed defensively until the Panthers' Julia Freeburn crossed the line at the nine minute mark for the try; with a conversion by Kendal Brooks the score was 17-0.
A great defensive takeaway by the Huskies Heather Stanton (Digby NS / Arts) brought the home squad within yards of a score but she was taken down just shy of the goal line by a swarm of Panthers
In the final minutes of the half another Huskies penalty resulted in 3 more points with Fradsham hitting the penalty kick to put the Panthers up 20-0 at the break.
The second half saw much of the same defensive struggle with the visitors scoring 2 more tries in the period by Kendal Brooks and Emily Duffy respectively; with one of the conversions by Fradsham finding the uprights and putting the Panthers ahead 32 -0.
The Huskies determined to score had their opportunities in the final ten minutes but failed to find the goal line with the tough UPEI defense especially inside the 22 metre line making the final 32-0.
Saint Mary's rookie Head Coach Emma DeLory stated of her squad after the game "that was a better defensive game, the ladies fought hard and we can build on this for next week."
Player of the game for the Huskies was Lauren Young (Hong Kong / Science)
The AUS Subway Player of the game was Panther Emily Duffy.
Up next for the Huskies (0-3) will be the Acadia Axewomen on Sunday October 3 for the Homecoming game at 2 pm
The Panther (2-1) head to St. Francis Xavier on October 3rd as well.
Recap/Photos Saint Mary's Huskies Communications
