November 21st, 2024

Pronghorn Women’s Rugby ready for Canada West playoffs challenge


By Lethbridge Herald on October 16, 2024.

photo courtesy of cam yoos University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Tory Clements attempts to break the tackle of a University of Calgary Dinos defender during Canada West 15s Women’s Rugby action last weekend at U of L.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s 15s rugby team have  had a great season so far but know there is a tough test they’re faced with as they open Canada West playoffs in Calgary today.

The Horns are going into playoffs on a high having finished the regular season with a 4-2 record, sweeping through Alberta by winning all of their games against University of Alberta and University of Calgary for the first time in 13 years, going undefeated at home,  winning the Suggitt Cup against U of A, having a higher winning percentage, scoring more bonus points and scoring more trys.

“We’ve kind of put an emphasis (on) connection, confidence and competence all season and I’ve been thoroughly impressed by how connected the team has been, and how much they’ve supported each other and that has to be a point (and) a difference for us,” said Graeme Moffat, Horns rugby head coach.

Something the Horns hope to carry over from the regular season is physicality and intensity.

Moffat thinks that has been the difference for them this year.

“ While (we) appreciate and understand that these things have to go up another level, some of our players have done an incredible job of their physicality and the intensity,” said Moffat.

The Horns will have a chance to go up against not only one of the best USports teams in the country but players who have international experience in the Olympics, at rugby world cups and on the sevens circuit.

“It gives a good chance to measure where we’re at against some of the best opposition not just in Canada but in the world,” said Moffat.

Moffat thinks UVIC is a team that has an important X factor and speed in their back division.

“So they pose obviously a lot of threats,” said Moffat.

U of L plays UVic in the first semi-final  today at 11 a.m. at McMahon Stadium in Calgary.

The second semi-final will see UBC play University of Calgary.

The semi-final winners will play for gold on Sunday at 5 p.m. and earn berths to the USports Championship in P.E.I from Oct. 30- Nov. 3.

The semi-final losers will play for bronze on Sunday at 3 p.m.

Games are streamed live oncanadawest.tv/login.

Share this story:

18
-17
Subscribe
Notify of
1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments


1
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x