Guelph downs UPEI in U SPORTS women's rugby consolation semifinal
The third-seeded Guelph Gryphons overwhelmed the UPEI Panthers 50-7 in a decisive consolation semifinal win at the 2024 Cavendish Farms U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship.
Guelph wasted no time establishing control, with Karenna Ottywill scoring the opening try in the 4th minute, followed by a successful conversion by Grace Jacklyn to take an early 7-0 lead. The Gryphons quickly added to their score when Madeline Di Girolamo touched down near the corner after a turnover in the 17th minute. Despite missing the conversion, Guelph extended their lead to 12-0.UPEI fought back with a try from Mia Fradsham in the 21st minute, converted by Charlotte Branchflower, narrowing the gap to 12-7. However, the Gryphons answered immediately, with Abby Auger scoring from a scrum and Jacklyn adding the extras, giving Guelph a 19-7 advantage at halftime.
In the second half, Guelph’s momentum continued. Lara Jorgensen opened the scoring in the 41st minute, and Lily Stewart followed with a try after a sustained Guelph drive, with Jacklyn converting both to push the lead to 31-7. Emily Clark, named Guelph’s player of the game, contributed to the Gryphons’ powerful second-half performance, scoring her first try of the match in the 58th minute.
The Gryphons capped the game with tries from Jacklyn and Gerry Atkins, sealing a 50-7 victory. Emma MacLean was named player of the game for UPEI.
The Gryphons advance to Sunday’s fifth-place game, where they will play the winner of the second consolation semifinal between Laval and Acadia. The host Panthers conclude their season with a seventh-place finish.
Players of the game
UPEI: Emma MacLean
Guelph: Emily Clark
SCORING SUMMARY
First Half
4' – GUELPH Try: Karenna Ottywill (Conversion by Grace Jacklyn) – GUELPH 7-0 UPEI
17' – GUELPH Try: Madeline Di Girolamo (Conversion missed) – GUELPH 12-0 UPEI
21' – UPEI Try: Mia Fradsham (Conversion by Charlotte Branchflower) – GUELPH 12-7 UPEI
23' – GUELPH Try: Abby Auger (Conversion by Grace Jacklyn) – GUELPH 19-7 UPEI
Halftime
Guelph 19, UPEI 7
Second Half
41' – GUELPH Try: Lara Jorgensen (Conversion missed) – GUELPH 24-7 UPEI
45' – GUELPH Try: Lily Stewart (Conversion by Grace Jacklyn) – GUELPH 31-7 UPEI
58' – GUELPH Try: Emily Clark (Conversion by Grace Jacklyn) – GUELPH 38-7 UPEI
65' – GUELPH Try: Grace Jacklyn (Conversion by Grace Jacklyn) – GUELPH 45-7 UPEI
70' – GUELPH Try: Gerry Atkins (Conversion missed) – GUELPH 50-7 UPEI