RECAP: Champs unveil banner and earn rematch win

The Gee-Gees women's rugby team unveiled its 2017 national championship banner at Matt Anthony Field prior to the 2018 Home Opener, and proceeded to play to a 24-12 victory over the same Laval Rouge et Or that they bested in the national final. Over 1800 fans were in attendance to witness the Gee-Gees take a 14-0 lead and command the field in their home grey uniforms.

 

"We had three 18-year old first years start today which was a tall order. They really stepped up and I guess that's part of what it is to be a Gee-Gee. I was really proud of the full team effort today," said Gee-Gees head coach Jen Boyd who enters her sixth season. "I've never seen a crowd like this here – there was a buzz about the game and people came out to support which means a lot to us. It says a lot about the effort that the team puts in and the show that they can put on."

 

Tori Wyman scored the first try of the season for Ottawa shortly after the game had begun with first-year Gee-Gee Michaela Haley adding another one within the opening 15 minutes. The Gee-Gees showed off their defensive muscle in the first half, standing Laval up on a prolonged possession deep in Ottawa territory. Alex Ondo fought through a group of Laval defenders for a short-distance try and Ottawa held a 19-7 lead at halftime. Emily Gray converted the first two tries for Ottawa.

 

Rachel McCallan's long-distance run was the lone Gee-Gees score of the second half, while Laval added a try in the dying minutes.

 

"We do need to be way more disciplined – our penalty count was too high. It's basically still August and we're miles ahead of where we were at this time last year. We're just looking to build to November."

 

The Gee-Gees will continue the regular season on the road next weekend, heading to Sherbrooke for a 3 p.m. game on Sunday, Sept. 9.