"We just worked so hard on all of the scenarios and everything just clicked tonight," said a smiling Jen Boyd, the conference coach of the year. "Concordia is really, really physical and we just kept the pressure on. I haven't seen us play like that this year. Our backs did such a great job - it's incredible."
Simone Savary scored two tries for Ottawa in the second half while the Gee-Gees defence locked down to hold the Stingers scoreless for 39 minutes in the second half. Emma Sandstrom converted three of Ottawa's four tries and opened the scoring with a penalty goal.
Following Sandstrom's penalty, the scoring opened up as the teams traded blows. First Concordia, then Ottawa, then Concordia, and again Ottawa found their way into the end zone before the first half finished with Ottawa leading 17-14 by virtue of the original penalty goal. The Gee-Gees backs were integral to second try, picking their way down the field by attacking the middle of the defence. Alex Ellis finished the series off after a quick push forward. The convert by Alexandra Ste-Marie on the second Concordia try bounced off the top of the bar and over, eliciting some gasps.
The defensive effort was steady for Ottawa throughout the game. Rookie Georgia Stewart substituted into the match and made several dynamic tackles. "It's been a long way but it's awesome how far we've come, even since the first time we played Concordia." Stewart says as the game wore on, Ottawa got more comfortable. "I think we relaxed a bit more and we took our time and really came together as a team."
"We are a bunch of fighters. That's what it means to play at uOttawa," said Boyd. "Unconditional love and support is what we provide to each other and you see it on the field. It was a tremendous win for us. It's so rewarding to know that all the time and work you put in can end in such a positive way."
Banner in hand, the Gee-Gees are headed to the National Championship Tournament next week in Victoria, B.C., looking to improve upon last season's bronze medal performance. The seeding and schedule for the tournament, which runs Nov. 3-6, will be announced on Sunday, October 30.
