KINGSTON, Ont. – The Queen's Gaels had six players honoured by Ontario University Athletics, as the OUA named its 2012 women's rugby major award-winners and all-stars. Nadia Popov (Newmarket, Ont.) was named the Russell Division rookie of the year and a divisional all-star, while Marin MacLeod (Pictou County, N.S.) was named the winner of the conference Community Service Award. In addition to Popov, Bronwyn Corrigan (Waterloo, Ont.), Susan Heald (Burlington, Ont.), Taylor White (Bancroft, Ont.) and Claragh Pegg (Barrie, Ont.) were all named to the All-Star Team.
 
Popov started all six games at inside centre for Queen's, and finished second on the squad, and tied for third in the OUA with 52 points, on six tries and 11 converts. She was named the Gaels' Athlete of the Week on September 17, after she scored 18 points in the Gaels' win over Toronto. She was a member of the Ontario U-18 team in 2011
 
“Nadia has exceeded our highest expectations,” said Beth Barz, the Gaels head coach. “She has been a consistent performer in each game and carries herself with the poise of a veteran.”
 
Third-year Gael Marin MacLeod (Pictou County, N.S.) was all named the winner of the OUA community service award for her efforts off the pitch. This year, she joined the Gaels' Varsity Leadership Council , and spearheaded an initiative to provide Christmas hampers from all Queen's varsity teams through Martha's Table, a local Kingston soup kitchen.
 
“Marin gives selflessly and enjoys every minute of her work with all people who have the privilege of working with her,” said Barz. “She pioneered the community liaison position with the women's rugby team and works diligently to provide opportunities for other athletes - both on the rugby team at all other teams at Queen's – to work with local groups in a volunteer capacity.”
 
Popov and MacLeod are now finalists for their respective CIS major awards.
 
Corrigan, a third-year lock, paced the Gaels with 55 points on seven tries and 10 converts en route to her first all-star award. Heald, a scrum half, becomes an all-star for the fourth time, while White and Pegg get the nod for the second time each.
 
The Gaels will host the 2012 OUA Championship game on Saturday at Nixon Field. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
2012 WOMEN'S RUGBY MAJOR AWARD WINNERS – Presented by Gilbert Canada

SHIELS DIVISION
Most Valuable Player – Britt Benn (Guelph)
Rookie of the Year – Danielle Spice (Western)
Coach of the Year – Jay & Leslie Shaw (Waterloo)

RUSSELL DIVISION
Most Valuable Player – Karla Telidetzki (Toronto)
Rookie of the Year – Nadia Popov (Queen's)
Coach of the Year – Joe Costello (York)
Community Service Award – Marin MacLeod (Queen's)

2012 OUA WOMEN'S RUGBY ALL-STARS

SHIELS DIVISION
Britt Benn – Guelph
Caitlin Beaton – Guelph
Morganne Linthwaite – Guelph
MacKenzie Higgs – Guelph
Kaite McNally – Guelph
Briana Cunningham – Waterloo
Erinne Lee Vargas – Waterloo
Renee Woodhouse – Waterloo
Rachel Brown – Waterloo
Lori Josephson – Western
Mackenzie Fane – Western
Meaghann Buitinga – Western
Elizabeth Monkman – Brock
Mariko Reilly ­– Brock
Emily Seunarine – Laurier

RUSSELL DIVISION
Taylor White – Queen's
Bronwyn Corrigan – Queen's
Claragh Pegg – Queen's
Susan Heald – Queen's
Nadia Popov – Queen's
Sara Berry – McMaster
Marisa Ashley – McMaster
Maggie Cogger-Orr – McMaster
Stephanie Black – McMaster
Fedelia Omaghan – York
Amber Barrett – York
Mel Cunningham – York
Britt Douglas – Trent
Kaitlin Newton – Trent
Karla Telidetzki - Toronto