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Panthers power their way past Huskies 73-5
Posted: Sep 21, 2024

Panthers power their way past Huskies 73-5

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CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI - The UPEI Panthers defeated the Saint Mary's Huskies 73-5 in Atlantic University Sport women's rugby action on Saturday afternoon in Charlottetown, PEI.

With the pressure mounting after watching rivals Acadia and St. FX start their seasons with perfect records, the Panthers knew they had to make a statement—and they did so with authority.

Emily-Anne MacQuarrie set the tone early for UPEI (1-2), using her strength to bulldoze through the Huskies' defence. She scored the game's first try in the 8th minute, crashing over the line from close distance. Just seven minutes later, MacQuarrie struck again, this time powering through several defenders to touch down in the 15th minute. Charlotte Branchflower nailed her first of nine conversions, giving the Panthers a quick 12-0 lead.

Panthers' captain, Emma MacLean, extended the lead in the 22nd minute. Displaying her trademark grit, MacLean dragged a defender across the goal line from five metres out to make it 19-0.

In the 30th minute, a penalty by Saint Mary's (0-3) presented an opportunity that scrum-half Mia Fradsham seized with her quick reflexes. Fradsham caught the defence flat-footed and took a quick tap before sprinting 20 metres for another try that stretched the lead to 26-0. Not to be outdone, Ria Johnston followed this up with a dazzling 60-metres run, slicing through the Huskies' defence to push the score to 33-0.

As the first half drew to a close, Mackenzie Stewart added an impressive 40-metre run, breaking multiple tackles to give UPEI a commanding 38-0 lead at the break.

The second half began much like the first, with the Panthers wasting no time in asserting their dominance. Less than two minutes in, Sarah Bain delivered a perfectly timed fake pass before bolting through the line for a try from 30 metres out, pushing the lead to 45-0.

Rookie Rowan Gallagher made her presence felt in the 58th minute, breaking a tackle and sprinting 50 metres to score her first of two tries in the match.

Saint Mary's managed to get on the board in the 61st minute, with Elliana Porter finishing off a well-executed play to make it 52-5.

However, UPEI quickly reasserted themselves. Off a scrum in the 69th minute, Fradsham released the ball to Alanna Mabey, who finished with a try, making it 59-5. Emily Duffy then showcased her strength, bulldozing through several defenders to score from 22 metres out in the 76th minute.

Gallagher capped off the afternoon with her second try, diving over the line in extra time to seal a 73-5 victory for the Panthers.

UPEI looks to build on their momentum as they prepare to host the St. FX X-Women next Saturday, while the Huskies will regroup to face Acadia.

Recap by Thomas Becker / UPEI Panthers Athletics
Photos by Mike Needham / UPEI Panthers Athletics