Hurricanes Defeat STU in Season Opener
Fredericton, NB - The St. Thomas University Tommies' Women's rugby team played a strong first half in their season opening game. But it was the Hollan College Hurricanes who broke through in the second half, scoring multiple tries to win their first Atlantic Athletic Association game, 31-7.
The Tommies played strong on the defensive side in the first half, allowing just one try and only trailinh 7-0 after the first half. Their line defense showed their grit but they were unable to capitalize on the offensive side, being unable to break the Hurricanes line. Tommies' head coach Becca Baker said desite this, she was peased with the way things played out.
"We have a lot of young players ... they executed a lot of the things we've gone through in practice," Baker said after coaching her first ACAA game. "The coaching staff and I were super impressed."
The second half didn't play out as the Tommies had hoped, as Holland was able to break through and take a commanding lead. Kyleigh King (Oromocto, NB) would put the Tommies on the board late in the second half, after making a beautiful run from beyond centre field, blowing by multiple Hurricane defenders. She would kick her own conversion after.
"Kyleigh is a phenominal player," Baker said of her second year leader. "She leads the team in more ways than one, off the field and on the field."
King's late try was too late for a Tommies rally, as the Hurricanes would end the game with a 31-7 victory.
STU's next match is Sept. 18 when the visit the University of King's College Blue Devils. The Hurricanes will host the University of New Brunswick Reds in their home opener.
