Four members of the Concordia Stingers women’s rugby team have been named to the QSSF all-star team that was unveiled today.
“The four of them are the core of the team,” said Concordia head coach Graeme McGravie. “It’s the four of them lifting, running, pushing everyone else. I couldn’t ask for four better people to coach.”
Lock Claire Hortop was named to the conference honor roll for the third consecutive time. The native of Mississauga, Ont. is a co-captain of the Stingers.
Inside centre Jackie Tittley, a native of Kirkland, Que., makes her second appearance on the team. The Stingers co-captain was an all-Canadian in 2008.
Veteran hooker Vanessa Grillo of Kirkland, Que. earns her first all-star honor as does No. 8 Hughanna Gaw, a native of Elgin, Que. Gaw was also named the QSSF women’s rugby Rookie of the Year.
“Hughanna led the team in tackles,” said McGravie. “Defensively, she is a beast. She hits everyone. She’s a very intelligent player around the pitch. I expect big things from her at this level. I think she has the ability to play for Team Canada.”
The league’s MVP is Claudiane Renaud of Université Laval. The community service award went to Frances Bajdik-Bova from the Bishop’s Gaiters. Eryn Hessian, also from Bishop’s, was coach of the year.
The Stingers travel to Ste. Foy, Que. to meet the Laval Rouge et Or in the conference championship on Saturday at 1 p.m.
