The No. 6-ranked McGill Martlets upset the No. 4-ranked, undefeated Concordia Stingers 41-34 to win the RSEQ women’s rugby championship on Friday night at Concordia Stadium.
As the Quebec conference champion, McGill advances to the CIS national championships hosted by Université Laval Oct. 31 through Nov. 3.
It is the first Quebec title for the Martlets since 2005.
The Stingers were the defending RSEQ champions and had won three of the last four seasons.
After the teams traded tries early, McGill had all the momentum and seemed to have an easy time finding big holes to run through. By halftime the Martlets had a 24-12 lead and were on a roll.
“We didn’t tackle,” admitted Concordia head coach Graeme McGravie.
The Stingers fought back in the second half and were knocking on the door at the end of the game, but it was too little, too late.
“The comeback was amazing,” McGravie said adding that he was proud of the fight his team put up.
RSEQ MVP Brianna Miller did most of the damage for the Martlets. She scored a try, four converts and a penalty goal.
Stepping up for Concordia was veteran No. 8 Hughanna Gaw with two tries.
Miller and Gaw were named the game MVPs.
Afterwards the championship banner and Christine Regimbal Trophy were presented to McGill, along with the gold medals. Concordia received the RSEQ silver medals.
