UPEI wins second game of the season

The UPEI Women’s Rugby improved their season record to 2-0 with a 29-22 win over Acadia on Sunday in Wolfville. At the beginning of the game Acadia showed they had speed and the Panthers had to change their game plan. 

Early in the match up the Panthers missed a couple of tackles and Acadian’s speed lead them to a 12-0 lead.  However, the Panthers got their stride and kept to the game plan and scored two unconverted tries by half to trail 12-10.  The first try was scored by rookie Olivia Landry, and the second was scored by rugby rookie, Janelle Mackenzie.
 
With the commencement of the second half, the girls were fired up with this comeback and Acadia's spirits were down.  The Panthers kept rocking and kicking the ball up the field until fifth year player Rebecca Robison scored a quick try off the scrum. Shortly after that, Kaitlin Richard made a beautiful high kick up the field and chased it, caught the bounce, and took off to the try line completely untouched; Emmylou Caulker converted this try.  Within 5 minutes, Janelle Mackenzie received a fast pass from Richard that lead to a second breakaway try for her which was also converted by Caulker.  As the game progressed, Acadia struck back with two outside tries to make the game 29-22 at the final whistle.  

“I am very proud of the players on how well they played but more on how they shifted gears and changed the game plan.  Despite being down early they stayed positive and confident in themselves, “commented head coach Shannon Atkins.

Kaitlin Richard was named player of the game for her great offensive kicking and running as well as her huge hits forcing knock ons which she cleaned up in rucks. The Panthers host SFX on this Saturday at 1 pm and this game will decide who is in first as the two teams are tied with a 2-0 record.