RECAP: Women’s rugby falls to Laval at home

Despite a strong second half from the University of Ottawa women's rugby team, the Laval Rouge & Or topped the Gee-Gees 8-7 Saturday afternoon at Matt Anthony Field.

A push inside the last ten minutes from the Gee-Gees ultimately fell short, even though Ottawa dominated the possession in the second 40 minutes. 

"They're the best team in the country," said uOttawa head coach Jen Boyd. "They proved that today and they proved that two years ago. They exposed some gaps that we've got to work on. We've only got about four days to work on them before we head over there." 

Laval opened the scoring early and added a penalty kick to take an 8-0 lead in the first half.

Ottawa came out flying in the second half, forcing Laval into the shadow of their goal posts. Meredith Sirrs dove into the end zone in the 67th minute, capping off an extended period of possession for the Gee-Gees. It goes down as the second year Conflict Studies and Human Rights major's second career try in Garnet and Grey.

Claire Gallagher drilled the convert to make the score 8-7, but that was as close as the Gee-Gees would get.

"We saw the schedule and we knew it'd be a tough two weeks," said Boyd. "This is going to be the heart of our season, preparing for these two games. We're just grateful we're playing after the year off."

Ottawa won't have to wait long to face Laval again. The Gee-Gees (1-1) travel to Quebec City to face the Rouge & Or on Saturday, Sept. 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Stade TELUS-UL.