Panthers top Huskies in rugby action
(HALIFAX, N.S.)—The UPEI Panthers used six different scorers en-route to a 60-5 victory over the hosts SMU Huskies on Sunday afternoon in Atlantic University Sport women's rugby action from Huskies Stadium on Homecoming Weekend.
Fourth-year prop Frances MacWilliam (Alberton, PE) opened the scoring early in the 3rd minute off a quick penalty tap and go for the try.
MacWilliam added her own conversion kick for the Panthers and UPEI led 7-0.
On the next kickoff, SMU was called for several high tackle penalties and UPEI chose a scrum five meters out.
Second-year hook/wing Tessa Hood (Charlottetown, PE) added her first of three trys on the afternoon and MacWilliam added the conversion kick for a quick 14-0 UPEI lead.
UPEI received the ensuing kickoff but possession was stolen by SMU's Julie Naugler (Stillwater Lake, NS) and a UPEI high tackle penalty gave SMU a chance to kick for the corner inside UPEI's 22-meter line.
Saint Mary's recycled the ball a few times, building pressure but the ball rolled out of touch and the UPEI line-out went uncontested into the center.
The Panthers proceeded to bobble the ball forward for an attacking scrum for Saint Mary's, who recycled pressure on PEI but were called for a holding on penalty.
Hood scored off the penalty and MacWilliam added the conversion kick for a 21-0 cushion.
Late tries were added in the first half by Tara Campbell (Summerside, PE) and Hood with her third of the contest for a 31-0 halftime lead.
The Panthers opened the second half with a Penalty Try and led 38-0.
Mia Fradsham (Marshfield, PE), Campbell, Madison Clements (Tyne Valley, PE) and Emily Duffy (Saint John, NB) rounded out the UPEI scoring in the second half and Fradsham added a conversion kick.
Teaghen Philip (Halifax, NS) added a late last second try for Saint Mary's, as time expired for a 60-5 UPEI win.
For her efforts, Hood was named Player of the Game.
UPEI improves to 2-3 in conference play while SMU falls to 0-5.
Both teams end the regular season this upcoming week, with SMU hosting StFX October 9th at 7 p.m. while Acadia visits UPEI October 12th at 2 p.m.
Dominic Nolasco, Communications
Photo Mona Ghiz