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Robin Kasem

Homecoming delight! Gaels women’s rugby wins OUA Banner at Nixon Field 46-17 over Guelph

| By: Shawn MacDonald (Sports Information Officer)
KINGSTON, Ont. (October 19, 2019) The No.3 Queen's Gaels (2-0) halted the No.4 Guelph Gryphons (1-1) from extending their OUA banner streak with a decisive 46-17 win in the OUA championship from Nixon Field on homecoming weekend at Queen's University.

GAME FLOW
The three-time defending champion Guelph Gryphons dropped their first match to the Queen's Gaels after having won their previous nine contests against their rivals dating back to 2013. That match was a win for Queen's that gave them their first OUA title in school history. Guelph has won three-straight banners and two consecutive finals over the Gaels heading into Friday night.

The Gaels were the first to strike as they got a big run from Jaden Walker through the Guelph defence and the Tricolour were finally able to punch in the try as Celia Martensson dove over the line for five points. The Gaels missed the conversion but held an early 5-0 advantage.

Guelph was not to be outdone however as they worked the ball into the Gaels 22-metre line and consistently pushed forward with short gains. 

A Queen's defensive stand paid off though as the Gaels took control and got the ball into Rachel Hickson's hands who sped past the Gryphons for a try. The OUA MVP Sophie de Goede nailed the conversion and Queen's opened up a 12-0 lead.

The Gryphons were able to get their first points of the match as they pushed through the Queen's defence and snuck a try in the corner from April Wright making the Gaels lead 12-5

The Queen's display of speed continued as Carmen Izyk broke free for a long run and try and just before halftime de Goede punched the ball deep towards the Guelph try line and recovered the ball. An easy pitch to Hickson gave her try two on the night.

In the second half, the Gaels kept the points coming. First, it was OUA All-Star McKinley Hunt who dove over the try line for five points in the opening minutes of the second. That was followed up by de Goede getting her first try of the match and Hunt adding another. 

Guelph continued to push Queen's as Brianna Marty dove in for a try that was converted by Julia Schell. The Gaels proved to be too strong as they added another try by Gillian Reason and conversion. 

A late try from Guelph left the game 46-17 for Queen's giving them their second OUA banner in program history.

MUST SEE
Celebrations! Hickson strikes Izyk shows off her speed FINAL SAY
Dan Valley Sophie de Goede McKinley Hunt Pippi McKay Rachel Hickson BY THE NUMBERS
2 - Straight wins over Guelph for Queen's after halting a nine-game losing streak earlier this season
1st - OUA Banner for Queen's since 2013
10 - Points for both McKinley Hunt and Rachel Hickson
11 - Points for OUA MVP de Goede
100 - Total points for Queen's in their matches against Guelph this season

UP NEXT
Both Queen's and Guelph will turn their focus to the U SPORTS women's rugby national championship hosted in Ottawa by the Gee-Gees. Quarter-final matches kick-off on October 30.
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