Women’s Rugby News

Women’s Rugby

Gold Medal Game: Gaels power through Gee-Gees, claim first national title in program history

U SPORTS Staff

KINGSTON, ONT. – Jaden Walker’s try in the 49th minute was the game-winner in the Queen's Gael’s golden performance, capturing their first U SPORTS Women's Rugby Championship title in program history with a 26-18 win over the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Sunday at Nixon Field.

Walker’s try came early in the second half, breaking a 15-15 deadlock that the two sides took into halftime.

The Gaels, who earned silver in the 2019 final, relied heavily on their captain and stalwart at the No. 8 spot, Sophie de Goede who scored a try, three penalty goals and a convert to lead Queen’s to their first Monilex Trophy in front of a home crowd.

de Goede, who was named the 2021 U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Player of the Year, received the Championship MVP nod.

Queen’s Kiana Kozak also scored for the Gaels in the championship performance.

Ottawa’s Taylor Donato and Madison Grant scored a try apiece while Claire Gallagher scored two penalty goals and a convert in a losing cause.

The Gee-Gees took home the silver for the second time in program history after taking second place in the 2016 tournament. Ottawa took gold in the 2017 U SPORTS women’s championship.

The Gaels’ de Goede and Siobhan Sheerin were named to the tournament all-stars while Maya Montiel, Anna Dodge, Merideth Sirrs and Alexandra Ondo received the honour on behalf of the Gee-Gees.

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Nike Top Performers

  • Queen’s: Madeline Kushner

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  • Ottawa: Claire Gallagher

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Championship MVP

  • Sophie de Goede

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Championship All-Stars

  • Prop – Maya Montiel, Ottawa
  • Hooker – Anna Dodge, Ottawa
  • Prop – Meredith Sirrs, Ottawa
  • Lock – Rori Wood, UBC
  • Lock – Faith Tilley, UBC
  • Flanker – Nele Pien, Laval
  • Flanker – Siobhan Sheerin, Queen’s
  • 8-Man – Sophie de Goede, Queen’s
  • Scrum Half – Corinne Frechette, Laval
  • Fly Half – Savannah Bauder, UBC
  • Winger – Alexandra Ondo, Ottawa
  • Centre – Audrey Champagne, Laval
  • Centre – Shoshanah Seumanutafa, UBC
  • Winger – Larah Wright, Victoria
  • Full Back – Talia Hoffman, Guelph

R.W. Pugh Fair Play Award:

  • Victoria Vikes, accepted by captain Chanelle Edwards-Challenger

Queen’s 26 – Ottawa 18

 First Half

QUE – Try, Kianna Kozak (Sophie de Goede convert) 6’                             7-0
OTT – Try, Taylor Donato (Claire Gallagher convert) 10’                             7-7
QUE – Try, Sophie de Goede (Convert unsuccessful) 13’                            12-7
QUE – Penalty Convert, Sophie de Goede 24’                                              15-7
OTT – Try, Madison Grant (Convert unsuccessful) 34’                                 15-12
OTT – Penalty Convert, Claire Gallagher 40’                                                15-15

Second Half

QUE – Try, Jaden Walker (Convert unsuccessful) 49’                                   20-15
QUE – Penalty Convert, Sophie de Goede 66’                                              23-15
OTT – Penalty Convert, Claire Gallagher 71’                                                 23-18
QUE – Penalty Convert, Sophie de Goede 75’                                              26-18

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As the official Rugby Ball Supplier of U SPORTS, Gilbert Rugby Canada will provide match balls and other prizing to the 2021 U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship Presented by Queen's University from Nov. 10 - Nov. 14 at Nixon Field.