On Saturday afternoon, the hot September sun was not the only thing bringing the heat on Nixon Field as the Queen's Women's Rugby team shutout the Toronto Varsity Blues with an impressive final score of 89-0.  Maintaining momentum from their previous two wins this season, the Gaels now sit in the number one seat of the OUA standings with a record of 3-0.  

With a total of 15 tries and seven successful conversion kicks by no. 7 Lizzie Gibson (Arts and Sciences), the Gaels dominated the Varsity Blues by maintaining quick offensive plays and a powerful defense - which the Blues failed to conquer, throughout the match.  

With four tries within the first 10 minutes by Jordyn Schneppenheim (Arts and Sciences), Madi Thompson (Arts and Sciences), Maxie Grant (Arts and Sciences), and Mika Matsukubo (Fact. of Health Sciences), and a conversion by Lizzie Gibson, the Gaels began the match with a confident 22-0 start. 

The first half ended with a lead of 46-0 over the Varsity Blues, as four more tries were scored by players Guinevere O'Hara (Arts & Science) - scoring two,  Grant, Olivia Dibua (Arts and Sciences), and three conversions by Gibson. 

The Gaels were unstoppable on the pitch.  As the final score shows, the Gaels were defensively relentless on the Varsity Blues, attacking each attempt at a try well-before a Blues player could make it close to the in-goal area. 

The second half played out no different from the first, as the Gaels chalked-up seven more tries scored by O'Hara, Grant, Maia Swemmer (Arts and Sciences), Matsukubo, Jayne Armatage (Arts and Sciences), Sarah Hardy (Nursing), and Robyn Baker (Arts and Sciences), and eight conversion points by Gibson.

With an impressive defeat today as well as previous games this season, the Gaels go into their next game on September 21st, against the Guelph Gryphons with confidence, whom they have been tied with on the OUA rankings.  

The Gaels are a dynamic team on as well as off the pitch.  Coming off of last seasons OUA Championship win and U SPORTS bronze medal, O'Hara, a key player this game, explains that learning from players who have retired from the Gaels this season is a focal point of their locker room discussions, and her personal goals for the season. Utilizing the influence from past players is motivation for the young team to build strength in all aspects of the game. 

The Gaels have proven themselves to be an exciting contender for the OUA Championships this season and will be sure to attempt a three-peat.