Panthers to host AUS semifinal following 86-0 win over Saint Mary’s

By Thomas Becker

Head coach James Voye has never hosted a playoff game since joining the UPEI coaching staff as an assistant coach in 2016. 

That will soon change, as the Panthers secured home-field advantage for next week's semifinal against the St. FX X-Women thanks to an 86-0 win over the Saint Mary's Huskies. 

"We achieved many goals this year, but we're not satisfied yet," said Voye. "We have a great opportunity to do something special at home next week, and we're excited to have the fans here supporting us." 

Voye said the team has been focusing on its offensive structure these last few weeks in preparation for the playoffs, and he's been pleased with the progress. The Panthers (4-2) lit up the scoreboard Saturday afternonn behind a season-high 14 trys, with Brinten Comeau, Charlotte Branchflower and Jorja Cook scoring a pair each.

"I've been impressed with how we've played," he said. "We made better decisions today in the areas of the field where I was hoping. And hopefully we can build off that."

The Panthers were relentless in their attack from the start, and it showed in the opening minutes when Emily McKenna spun a ball to her right to Emma MacLean, who fought off a few defenders for the try. 

UPEI came right back in the seventh minute when Branchflower took a pass and burst through the right side for a 40-yard run and a 14-0 lead. 

In just her second career start, Cook put together another strong performance, as she scored the next two tries to make it 28-0.

On the ensuing possession, the Panthers willed their to another try as the pack pushed Comeau across the try line where she touched down.

Annika Wadlegger and Mia Fradsham added two more trys before halftime, where UPEI led 45-0.

UPEI showed off their physicality on the next three trys, as they consistently drove hard from five metres out and willed their way through the Huskies' (0-6) defence. After 55 minutes of play, the lead grew to 62-0 thanks to Frances MacWilliam, who scored first in the second half, followed by Olivia McLeod—who recorded her first try of the season—and Comeau. 

Rookie Lauren Bull recorded her second try in as many games, as the speedy wing attacked the left side and sprinted 45 yards for the score. 

Hannah Bertrand added her first try of the season on a hard-fought run in the 66th minute. And Sophie Carragher concluded the scoring with another try late in the game to give the Panthers the 86-0 win.

Like Voye, MacWilliam will experience her first taste of playoff rugby at home.

"It feels amazing," said MacWilliam, who finished with a try and seven conversions for 19 points. "We're excited to see St. FX come here, and we're excited to play them Thursday."

The Panthers now look ahead to Thursday's semifinal, where they'll host the visiting St. FX X-Women. The last time these two teams met at MacAdam Field, UPEI won 32-5.

Photo Credit: Mike Needham