University of Alberta Athletics On October 4, the University of Alberta Pandas rugby 15s team returned to Foote Field. They played the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds. Last season, the Thunderbirds placed second in Canada West (3-2-0) and won the U Sports title, while the Pandas finished fourth in Canada West with a 2-3-1 record.
The first half started with power and enthusiasm from both teams, with tries and converts in a back-and-forth fashion from the third minute to the 38th minute of play. UBC’s Sara Tehrani marked the first points on the scoreboard with her try to make it 5-0. Mayeling Henry Rodriguez’s try and a conversion by Kate Alcock made it 7-5 for Alberta. Alexis Dobson and Sarah MacPherson made it 12-7 for UBC.
This didn’t last long before Alberta’s Henry Rodriguez and Alcock scored again for Alberta to lead 14-12. With eight minutes to go in the half, Alcock succeeded with a penalty kick, earning three more points. Thunderbird Belle Rousseau rounded the half out with a try, tying it up 17-17.
Halftime recognized Dr. Katie Murray, the new Wall of Famer for Alberta. After a show by the A-Team, all 30 players were welcomed back to continue the match. Sarah MacPherson started her run of points with a try and a convert seven minutes into the half. Five minutes later, the Thunderbirds found a patch in the Pandas’ defence. Saylor Pickrell completed a try down the sidelines with another MacPherson convert. To double their score from halftime, Adia Pye scored another five points with her try joined by MacPherson’s kick for a convert.
Despite UBC making gains on the scoreboard, the Pandas were also making gains on the field. Within 10 yards of the goal line, Alberta pushed forward. The Thunderbirds were aggressive in stopping Alberta’s pick-and-goes, but the Pandas prevailed. Cassandra Schau made it through the T-Birds’ back line to get Alberta to 22 points. Alcock added another two, making it 38-24 at 62 minutes in.
MacPherson pushed a try through for her last five points for a total of 18 points this afternoon. MacPherson’s try allowed Maya Nowotny to complete a convert. Rousseau, Pickrell, and Poppy-Anne Elcock all scored tries along the sidelines through collaborative runs. Nowotny added one successful kick there for the Thunderbirds to complete the 62 points for the match.
In extra time, Panda Ava Lamanna pushed through the back line across the goal line. She and a convert by Alcock made the most of the six added minutes for the Pandas. This final push allowed Alberta to finish the game with 31 points, for a final score of 62-31. Loud cheers from the Pandas and the crowd erupted at the end of the game to finalize Sunday’s competition.
What happens now for the Pandas
October 4’s loss to UBC marks a tough weekend, with a 60-14 loss on Thursday to the reigning Canada West champions, the University of Victoria Vikes. On Friday, October 16, the Pandas will play their last rugby 15s regular-season game at 6:00 p.m. at Foote Field against the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns.
Right now, Alberta is in fourth place overall in Canada West for women’s rugby 15s. This is thanks to their win over Calgary and two bonus points for scoring four or more tries in their games against Calgary and UBC. If the Pandas stay in fourth, they will attend the Canada West championship tournament in Victoria on October 22 and 25.
