October 31, 2025
Vikes shutout Gryphons, advance to the national title Game
The Victoria Vikes are headed to the national final again after a stunning 42-0 victory over the Guelph Gryphons in the first semifinal of the 2025 U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship at Thunderbird Stadium.
From the opening whistle, the Vikes executed a flawless game plan, controlling possession, territory, and the scoreboard in a comprehensive performance. Fly-half Olivia Newsome got the scoring started just one minute in, slotting a penalty goal to give Victoria a lead they would never relinquish.
The pressure continued to build, and in the 13th minute, winger Eden Kilgour crossed the try line for the game's first major score. Newsome added another penalty kick shortly after, and the Vikes' attack continued to roll with first-half tries from Maggie MacKinnon and Player of the Game Vanessa Chiappetta. Newsome converted both tries and added a final penalty goal just before halftime to send her team into the break with an imposing 28-0 lead.
Any hope of a second-half comeback for the Gryphons was quickly extinguished as the Vikes picked up right where they left off, and second half tries by Kyla Warren at 45 minutes and Emma Gootendorst at 62 minutes both converted by Newsome to round out the scoring.
While the Gryphons were unable to find their way onto the scoreboard, flanker Meg Rogers was recognized for her relentless effort, being named Guelph's Player of the Game.
The victory books Victoria’s ticket to the gold medal game, where they will compete against either UBC or Queens on Sunday at 4 p.m. PST.
The Guelph Gryphons, meanwhile, will regroup and shift their focus to the bronze medal game, where they will look to end their season on a winning note this Sunday at 1:30 p.m.