Pronghorns rugby 7’s squad grabs third place in Victoria

By Dale Woodard - Lethbridge HeraldLethbridge Herald on February 16, 2022.

The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s rugby team captured third place in dramatic fashion in the second Canada West 7’s Series event last weekend.

The Horns defeated the Alberta Pandas 19-12 in overtime in the third-place game Sunday afternoon in Victoria.

With the teams tied 12-12 in overtime, Pronghorn back Sam Ganske stole the ball and ran 60 metres to score the game winning try.

Erin McFadden kicked the convert to make the final 19-12.

The third place finish builds off the Pronghorns fifth place finish at the Canada West 7’s Series season opener Jan. 22-23 in Edmonton.

In the third-place game, the Pronghorns opened the scoring and held a 12-7 lead at half on a pair of Genna Wright tries. McFadden hit one convert. However, the Pandas scored the lone try in the second half to force overtime.

“We are pleased with how the girls responded after the first leg in Edmonton,” said Pronghorns head coach Graeme Moffatt in a release. “Performance is often a reflection of preparation and the girls have worked hard over the last couple weeks and full credit to them for the improvements they have made.

“We look forward to the final stop in Vancouver in two weeks time.”

The Pronghorns opened the weekend with a 15-14 win over the Calgary Dinos as Sara Cline and McFadden scored first half tries and Ganske added another in the second half.

Lethbridge fell 26-5 in their second game against the Victoria Vikes.

Keegan Brantner scored the Pronghorns lone try in the second half.

The Pronghorns rebounded with a 39-5 win over the Fraser Valley Cascades in their third game of the weekend as Rebecca Powell ran for three tries.

Tory Clements hit for two tries and Ruby McRae and Samantha Ganske hit for the other Horns scores.

McFadden kicked two converts.

The Pronghorns were blanked 27-0 by the UBC Thunderbirds, setting up their bronze medal game against the Pandas.

The Pronghorns now prepare for the final tournament of the Canada West Sevens Series, hosted by the UBC Thunderbirds in Vancouver, Feb. 25-26.

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