The Concordia Stingers women’s rugby team won the Quebec university championship with a 17-5 victory over the Laval Rouge et Or on a cold, rainy Saturday afternoon in Ste. Foy, Que.
The Stingers had a 7-0 lead at halftime on a Melanie Tranchemontagne try scored at the 38-minute mark. Concordia increased its lead to 14-0 in the 52nd minute on a try by Larissa Andrusyshyn.
Patricia Lapierre wrapped up the Stinger scoring with two converts and a penalty kick.
“We played better than them right from the beginning,” said Concordia head coach Graeme McGravie. “I think our forwards dominated them in set piece and from there we were able to do more things than them.”
Concordia finished third in the six-team Quebec league with a 4-1-1 win-loss-tie record, while Laval finished first with a 5-1 record. In the only regular season meeting – Sept. 16 in Montreal – the Rouge et Or prevailed 22-19.
The last conference title for the Stingers came in 1998 when they defeated the McGill Martlets 12-8 to advance to the inaugural CIS women’s rugby championship. Concordia returned to the nationals in 1999 as a wildcard entry.
“It’s very cool,” added McGravie of his team’s achievement and the berth in the nationals. “I’m at a loss for words, but it’s a great feeling.”
The 2007 national championship will be held Nov. 2-4 in London, Ont. Concordia will play its first game on Friday at 12:30 p.m. versus the Guelph Gryphons.
