PREVIEW: #3 women’s rugby look to take RSEQ crown from #1 Laval

Photo: Greg Kolz
Photo: Greg Kolz
October 20, 2023

October 21, 2023

  • The Matchup: #3 Ottawa Gee-Gees (5-1) at #1 Laval Rouge et Or (6-0)
  • Location: Stade TELUS-UL (Quebec City, Que.)
  • Kickoff: 1:00 p.m.
  • Last meeting: Ottawa 12, Laval 14 – Sep. 2, 2023, at Matt Anthony Field
  • Broadcast: Rouge et Or Facebook 

The stage is set for the RSEQ Championship match, and it may not be all that surprising that for the sixth straight year, the conference final is a battle between Ottawa and Laval. The Rouge et Or have been on a tear, winning the last two RSEQ title matchups, and reaching the U SPORTS podium every year since 2019, including winning gold in 2022.

This will no doubt be a grueling matchup, as the Gee-Gees have also been a dominant force throughout the years, medalling at the last seven U SPORTS National Championship tournaments. The Gee-Gees played a tight game with the Rouge et Or to kick off the regular season, and will look to avenge the loss on a bigger stage.

OTTAWA GAME NOTES

  • Major stat leaders
  • The Gee-Gees secured their spot in the U SPORTS National Championship by defeating the Concordia Stingers 19-0,
  • The Ottawa lineup has proved their versatility with a long list of players contributing points throughout the regular season. Notably, Emma Wade has stepped up in recent games, earning a pair of tries in the RSEQ semi-final game, while Aurora Bowie has been incredibly consistent in the kicking game.
  • The Gee-Gees will be spending lots of time in Quebec City as the Rouge et Or will be hosting the U SPORTS National Championship. The Gee-Gees will get a week in between the RSEQ final and nationals. 

LAVAL GAME NOTES

  • Major stat leaders
    • Tries: Laura Guay – 12
    • Converts: Audrey Champagne – 23
  • Laval's leaders, Laura Guay and Audrey Champagne, lead the RSEQ with 84 and 74 points respectively.
  • Ottawa gave Laval their closest game of the season, the next smallest margin of victory for the Rouge et Or came in the RSEQ semi-final against Carleton, where they took the game by 27 points (40-13).
  • Laval is the reigning national champion, and will on the hunt to claim both the RSEQ and U SPORTS titles on home turf.