RECAP: Gee-Gees earn national silver, sixth-consecutive U SPORTS medal
KINGSTON, ON – In a battle with the host Queen's Gaels, the Gee-Gees women's rugby team closed their 2021 season with a loss in the U SPORTS National Championship final by a score of 26-18 on Sunday.
Earning a national silver medal, the team extended their medal streak to six consecutive seasons, bringing their tally to one gold (2017), two silvers (2016 and 2021), and three bronzes (2015, 2018, and 2019).
The game was a highly competitive affair throughout, as both teams tried to weather the cold and rainy conditions at Nixon Field in Kingston. The Gaels scored first on the evening, to which the Gee-Gees responded with a try from fifth-year captain Taylor Donato to tie the game.
The two teams added tries and penalty kicks before the half to once again even the score at 15-15. With Madison Grant scoring for Ottawa, and Claire Gallagher kicking the tying penalty.
A Queen's try in the 49th minute and a penalty kick in the 66th minute were enough to spell defeat for the Gee-Gees, who were only able to score on one Gallagher penalty kick in the second half.
Despite strong pressure from the Gee-Gees throughout, the Gaels were precise in their scoring chances, securing the national title on their home field.
Gallagher was named the game's Nike Player of the Game for the Gee-Gees, while four Ottawa players were named tournament all-stars with Maya Montiel, Anna Dodge, Meredith Sirrs and Alexandra Ondo receiving recognition.