UBC powers past Panthers to U SPORTS semi-final
The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds surged past the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers 67-7 in the second quarterfinal of the 2024 Cavendish Farms U SPORTS women’s rugby championship on Thursday at Canada Games Alumni Stadium. UBC, ranked second, asserted control from the outset, with Rachel Smith opening the scoring in the fifth minute.
The Thunderbirds quickly added to their lead with tries from Brooklyn Roddham, Olivia Sarabura, and Mya Koleba, creating a 27-0 gap within the first 20 minutes. Roddham, pivotal in UBC’s success, scored 19 points through two tries and four conversions. Smith was also a standout, tallying 15 points with three tries in the 5th, 35th, and 44th minutes.
Other key contributors included Sarabura with two tries for 10 points and Lana Dueck and Adia Pye, each adding five points with a single try. UPEI’s lone response came in the 32nd minute from Emily Duffy, with Charlotte Branchflower converting to make it 34-7 at halftime. UBC continued to dominate in the second half, with Roddham sealing the victory in the 66th minute, bringing her personal total to 19 points in the match. The Thunderbirds’ offensive firepower saw them secure a convincing 67-7 win.
With the victory, UBC advances to Friday’s semifinal against the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, while UPEI will face the Guelph Gryphons in the consolation bracket.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME:
UBC: Brooklyn Roddham
UPEI: Mia Fradsham
Scoring Summary
UBC - Rachel Smith 5’ (UBC 5-0)
UBC – Brooklyn Roddham 11’, Savannah Bauder convert (UBC 12-0)
UBC – Olivia Sarabura 13’ (UBC 17-0)
UBC – Mya Koleba 16’ (UBC 22-0)
UBC – Brooklyn Roddham 19’ (UBC 27-0)
UBC – Olivia Sarabura 29’, Brooklyn Roddham convert (UBC 34-0)
UPEI – Emily Duffy 32’, Charlotte Branchflower convert (UBC 34-7)
UBC – Rachel Smith 35’ (UBC 39-7)
UBC – Lana Dueck 41’, Brooklyn Roddham convert (UBC 46-7)
UBC – Rachel Smith 44’, Brooklyn Roddham convert (UBC 53-7)
UBC – Adia Pye 48’ (UBC 60-7)
UBC – Brooklyn Roddham 66’ (UBC 67-7)