HAMILTON, Ont. – Lauren McEwen's three tries led the No. 5-ranked Queen's Gaels to a 32-10 win over the No. 9-ranked McMaster Marauders in OUA women's rugby action, Saturday. The Wasaga Beach, Ont., native found the end zone in the 12th, 37th and 51st minute, as the Gaels improved their record to 4-0 on the year.
 
The Gaels led 17-5 at halftime, on McEwen's two scores, as well as a 28th-minute try by Susan Heald (Burlington, Ont.), and a conversion by rookie Nadia Popov (Newmarket, Ont.). Cindy Nelles (Belleville, Ont.) responded for the Marauders in the 19th minute.
 
After McEwen's try extended the Queen's lead to 22-5, Nelles' second try of the game cut the gap to 22-10 after 56 minutes. The Gaels closed out the contest as Kayla Roote (Peterborough, Ont.) found the end zone in the 65th minute and Catie Ryan did the same in the 77th. Roote's score ensured the Gaels took the full five points available from the match.
 
With the win, the Gaels are now alone in first place in the OUA Russell Division with a 4-0 record and the maximum 20 points. York is in second place, with 12 points, while McMaster has nine. Both teams are 2-2, with two regular-season weeks remaining.
 
The Gaels are on the road again next week, as they visit the Trent Excalibur in Peterborough on Friday, September 28. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.