Gee-Gees score 10 tries; Bowie kicks for six converts
The women’s rugby team played against Carleton Ravens this Wednesday and proved why they are ranked number three in the 2024 U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Rankings.
The U of O’s undefeated streak continued at the Ravens’ Nest, prolonging the damage done to Carleton’s pride after more than 15 years of losing to the Gee-Gees women’s team. The game finished with 65 points for Ottawa and five for the Ravens.
The Gee-Gees kicked off the game with a flat and strong defence, denying any attempt from the Ravens to find a gap and gain any ground. The first two tries by U of O were power plays, started off a line-out and through a maul.
The first one came from Emma Wade, and the second was by number eight Leigha Stiles. Carleton’s first and only try came off a scrum inside Ottawa’s 35-yard line and passed off right to number 11, Charlotte Ross, who dove right into the try line. Ottawa’s defence pushed back, ensuring the first half was mostly spent at the Raven’s side of the field, literally keeping the ball on their side of the field.
By the end of the first half, the score was 22 for the Gee-Gees and five for Carleton. Through this 40-minute period, Ottawa showed dominance, speed, and a straight-line defence that left no gaps for Carleton to run through. Even though the Ravens had some breakthroughs, there was never any danger for the Ottawa side.
The second half showed a revitalized Gee-Gees squad. The side was sprinting and tackling hard,, driving the Ravens to the ground but the scoreboard even higher.
The first two tries of the second half came within the first eight minutes, one by number three, Alysia Comtois and number 12, Tian Wiens. The last try of the game was scored by number 15, Sydney Noseworthy, in the final minute of the game putting another undefeated game under Ottawa’s belt.
This Wednesday, Ottawa not only scored 10 tries but explicitly showed how strong of a team they are and how they carry that on their shoulders. Not only does the team have a cohesive defence, but they double up with an explosive offence.
Aurora Bowie, kicker and number 10, spoke postgame. “I want to be as successful as possible when kicking,” said the fifth-year.
Bowie was also asked how she and the team keeps their mentality sharp, especially coming into a game against a team they have dominated previously. “Whoever we play, we try to focus on our game and working on goals that we set for ourselves.”
Their next game is at Matt Anthony Field this Saturday at 4:00 p.m. The Gee-Gees enter with an eight-game winning streak against the Bishop’s Gaiters. Will they continue to impress us like this? Student tickets are $7 and the game will also be streamed on YouTube.
