A conversion by Audrey Champagne in the 61st minute was all that separated the Laval and UBC, as the host Rouge et Or edged the Thunderbirds 7-5 in the fourth quarterfinal of the 2023 U SPORTS Women's Rugby Championship in Quebec City. The game kept the 3,577 fans at the Stade Telus – the largest crowd in program history – on the edge of their seats throughout the 70 minutes.
Early in the game, Laval reached the end zone but was not able to put the ball down and get on the scoreboard. In the 20th minute, UBC had a player sent to the sin bin, but that didn't stop them from scoring, thanks to a breakthrough by Adia Pye. Her run allowed the Thunderbirds to break the ice in the 23rd minute. The conversion was missed, leaving the score 5-0 and it remained there through halftime.
The third kick charged down by the Rouge et Or, this time in the goal area, resulted in a Laval line out only six yards from goal, which led to a try by Léa Ouellet in the 61st minute. The conversion by Champagne gave Laval their first lead of the contest, and proved to be the difference.
With the win, Laval advances to play No. 2-seeded Queen's on Friday at 7 p.m. UBC will face UPEI in a consolation game on Friday at 3.
Nike Team players of the game
- Laval – #7 Léa Ouellet
- UBC – #11 Adia Pye
SUMMARY
Laval 7 – UBC 5
First Half
- UBC – Try Adia Pye 23' (5-0)
Second Half
- LAV – Try Léa Ouellet (conversion Audrey Champagne) – 60' (7-5)