Victoria stuns top-seeded Laval in women’s rugby quarterfinal upset
The No. 8-seeded Victoria Vikes upset top-seeded Laval Rouge et Or 28-14 in a thrilling quarterfinal clash at the Cavendish Farms U SPORTS women’s rugby championship Thursday at the UPEI Turf Field.
Victoria wasted no time asserting themselves, with Maddy Grant scoring an early try in the ninth minute. Vanessa Chiapetta followed up with a successful conversion, putting the Vikes ahead 7-0.
Moments later, Grant struck again, pushing the Vikes further ahead with a second try from five metres out. Chiapetta’s reliable foot made it 14-0 in favour of the Vikes.The Vikes continued their surge, with Carissa Norsten breaking through Laval’s defensive line in the 24th minute to add a third try. Chiapetta nailed her third conversion of the game, giving Victoria a commanding 21-0 lead at halftime.
Despite a brief rain shower as the second half began, the Vikes maintained their momentum. Chiapetta showcased her versatility in the 44th minute, scoring a try of her own on the left side and following it up with another successful conversion to extend Victoria’s lead to 28-0.
Laval attempted to rally, orchestrating a promising drive in the 52nd minute, only for Victoria’s defense to intercept and halt their advance. The Rouge et Or managed to get on the scoreboard in the 54th and 69thminute, with two tries from Anne Lamothe to bring the score to 28-14, but it was too late for a comeback.
With this win, Victoria advances to the semifinals and will face the winner of the Acadia-Queen’s quarterfinal, while Laval moves to the consolation bracket, bringing an early end to their title defense.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME:
Laval: Alice Théberge
Vikes: Maddy Grant
Scoring Summary
UVIC - 9' - Maddy Grant, Vanessa Chiapetta convert (UVIC 7-0)
UVIC 17' - Maddy Grant, Vanessa Chiapetta convert (UVIC 14-0)
UVIC 24’ Carissa Norsten , Vanessa Chiapetta (UVIC 21-0)
UVIC 44’ - Vanessa Chiapetta, Vanessa Chiapetta convert (UVIC 28-0)
LAV 54’- Anne Lamothe, Adele Samson Convert (UVIC 28-7)
LAV 69’- Anne Lamothe, Adele Samson Convert (UVIC 28-14)