KINGSTON, Ont. (September 23, 2017) - The No.7 Queen's Gaels (2-2) pushed for a final try to seek to take the lead in the late stages of the match, but the No.6 Marauders held on for a 21-15 win. For Gaels coach Dan Valley, he took on his former team as he served as an assistant for the Marauders before joining the Gaels.
 
GAME FLOW
In the scorching September heat, the defence told the tale of this matchup. Both McMaster and Queen's showed good open field tackling and pass breakups. In the end, it was the Marauder's strong end-zone defence that kept them on top and ultimately won them the game.
 
McMaster's Khadija Brouilette scored the opening try, taking it up half the field by herself off a misplayed ball from the Tricolour. The Gaels responded by scoring two tries; Pippi McKay (Toronto) was the first to put the Gaels on the board, pushing in a short try, followed shortly by Harlee Bruce (Lakefield, Ont.). A missed conversion put Queen's up five late in the first half. McMaster continued to push the pace as half-time neared. Maddie Seatle pushed through into the end-zone off a scrum in the Gaels territory. The Marauders entered the half leading 14-12.   

WRGY - Gaels add three points to cut the deficit to 21-15 late pic.twitter.com/nnv9e4Gh6y

— Queen's Gaels (@queensgaels) September 23, 2017

Early in the second half, McMaster's Sara Svoboda pushed through the tough Gaels defence to pad their lead, 21-12. The Strong defensive play kept both teams scoreless through most of the second half until a penalty opportunity gave the Gaels a chance at redemption. Nadia Popov (Newmarket, Ont.) nailed the penalty goal, to put the Gaels within a try and conversion of taking a one-point lead. Entering injury time, the Gaels had a chance to tie it up, controlling the ball in McMaster's zone. It was strong tackling and ruck control that held McMaster's lead and won them the game with the defensive stand.
 
BY THE NUMBERS
2 - Nationally ranked teams the No.7 Gaels and No.6 Marauders
3/3 - Sara Svoboda was perfect on conversions for McMaster
3-0 - McMaster remains undefeated through this season
 
FINAL SAY
"We're right where we need to be, there are some things we can work on and improve, but with regards to any changes, no we're right where we need to be. That game could've gone either way."- Head Coach Dan Valley.
 
UP NEXT
The Gaels will begin their push in the OUA playoffs next week. Check gogaelsgo.com on Monday for more details.