RECAP: Gee-Gees drop opening match at U SPORTS national championship

The Gee-Gees kicked off the 2023 U SPORTS women's rugby national championship tournament with an afternoon matchup against the University of Victoria.

The opening half was entirely in favour of the Vikes. Keeping the ball on Ottawa's end of the field, it took 16 minutes before Victoria put points on the board. With a pair of successful penalty kicks to get things started, the Vikes followed with an impressive run down the field for the first try of the tournament.

Trailing 23-0 when halftime came around, the Gee-Gees were faced with an uphill battle. 

The Gee-Gees first points of the game were scored by Alysia Comtois, who powered into the tryzone in the 51st minute.

Victoria responded with a try of their own, making the score 30-5 with very little time for Ottawa to work with.

Ngozi Mosindi added a try to the Gee-Gees score, and Comtois ran down the sideline to score her second try of the game. 

The late effort was not enough to close the gap, and the Gee-Gees dropped the game 30-17 to their Canada West opponent. 

The loss takes the Gee-Gees out of medal contention, ending their seven-year medalling streak.  Ottawa will resume play on Friday in the consolation bracket, competing for a fifth place finish.