RECAP: #5 Women’s rugby topples defending U SPORTS champions #1 Laval Rouge et Or
The Gee-Gees women's rugby team were in Quebec City on Sunday afternoon for a battle between RSEQ giants.
The last time the Ottawa and Laval met was in the 2023 RSEQ Championship game where the Gee-Gees claimed their sixth consecutive conference title, but it was the Rouge et Or who went on to earn the national championship title.
Ottawa played a strong game of rugby, earning a 31-26 victory over Laval and improving their record to 2-0 to start the season.
Laval opened with a try, but Ottawa was quick to respond with one of their own. Aurora Bowie's convert was good, giving the Gee-Gees an early 7-5 lead.
The Rouge et Or quickly charged to the endzone, and a competitive back and forth matchup was forming.
Tries from Ketsia Kamba (25') and Bowie (28') kept the game close. It was rookie Gee-Gee, Fiona Day, who's first career try gave Ottawa a 24-19 lead heading into halftime.
Ottawa kept Laval scoreless through the second half of rugby action while earning one last try before the game ended.
Bowie led the way with her try and three converts for 11 points, Anna Dodge, Day, Kamba, and Leigha Stiles each contributed tries to the Gee-Gees score while Alysia Comtois earned game MVP recognition.
Ottawa will look ahead to their next opponent, the Concordia Stingers. The Stingers also sit at 2-0 on the season. The Gee-Gees will host the Stingers on Sep. 14, kicking off at 1 p.m. on Matt Anthony Field.