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University of Toronto Athletics

Women's Rugby
Martin Bazyl

Women's Rugby

PLAYOFF BOUND BLUES DEFEAT TRENT

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Winning their first contest since 2012, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's rugby team defeated the Trent Excalibur 19-12 on Friday, October 7 at Varsity Stadium to secure a spot in the OUA playoffs.

Having last defeated the Laurier Golden Hawks 38-15 in the 2012 season opener, the Varsity Blues have been chasing the elusive victory for four seasons and Friday night proved to be special.

"It's been four years of hard work and it paid off," said Gareth Williams, who earns his first win as Blues head coach. "It's been four years of 7am practices, it's been four years of almost getting there and making incremental gains. We earned it and we deserve it. I can't wait for the playoffs."

"I am just so proud of this team," said Varsity Blues team captain Amanda Sussman. "We left it all on the field. We talked about fully emptying the tank and coming off the field knowing that we gave it all we had and I think each and every player in this game can say that. It's an even better feeling that we just won our first game on home field."
 


Trent opened the contest scoring first try at the 15 minute mark as the Excalibur found a hole in the Toronto defence. Following a second unconverted try from Trent, U of T would bounce back with first-year Blue Lauren Van Dyke scoring just before the half as her breakaway speed allowed her to race to the goal line untouched to make it a 12-7 game at the break.

That is when the Varsity Blues found a spark in second-year standout Jordyn Orlando. The under-20 women's national team member would finish off a nifty passing play in the opening minutes of the second half to tie the game 12-12. Then just two minutes later Orlando would find a hole of her own, finishing off a lengthy string of Varsity Blues passes for her second try of the game to put Toronto ahead for the first time this season.

From there the tension built as the last 10 minutes found the Varsity Blues defending their goal line endlessly. Trent would come as close as five-yards out but Toronto was not to be denied as they stood tall to break the unlucky streak.

With the victory the Varsity Blues claim the final OUA playoff position edging out the Excalibur for fourth place in the Russell division. The Blues will travel to Hamilton, Ont., to take on the McMaster Marauders in OUA quarter-final action this Friday, October 14 at 7pm.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite U of T athletes and teams, please visit www.varsityblues.ca. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, SnaptChat and Facebook for the latest and greatest in Varsity Blues intercollegiate athletics. 
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