The University of Toronto Varsity Blues claimed their sixth straight provincial title, defeating the Ottawa Gee-Gees 12-2 in the gold-medal match on Sunday (Dec. 2) at the 2018 NCWP championship at Varsity Pool.

It marks U of T's third straight NCWP banner after winning the OUA title for the previous three seasons.

U of T earned their spot in Sunday's gold-medal match following a dominant 14-5 win over the Carleton Ravens in semi-final action yesterday.

The Gee-Gees, who booked their ticket to the championship final following an 11-10 upset win over the Queen's Gaels, earned the silver medal, while the Carleton Ravens claimed the bronze medal with a narrow 8-7 victory over the Gaels.

Varsity Blues standout Rhianna Wood was named the 2018 NCWP championship most valuable player, while teammate Rachel Jaffe earned most valuable goalie honours for the second straight season. U of T's George Gross Jr., also claimed coach of the year honours.

Gold-Medal Match: Toronto 12, Ottawa 2

The Blues got out to a 3-1 lead after the first quarter and scored two in the second frame to build a 5-1 advantage at halftime. Toronto put the game away, outscoring Ottawa 5-0 in the third quarter and 2-1 in the fourth to round out the victory.

Alicia Vas led all players with a hat trick, while Katie Smith and Emma Brezoczky each scored twice on the day. Caitlyn Teidje, Sarah Wentling, Wood, Megan MacCormac and Emily Wilkinson each added single tallies in the win.

Danielle Hirsh and Erin Woods scored for Ottawa in the loss.

Bronze-Medal Match: Carleton 8, Queen's 7

A dominant first half propelled the Ravens past the Gaels in the bronze-medal match. Alicia Morewood tallied two goals in the opening frame as Carleton took a 5-3 lead after seven minutes of action.

The Ravens outscored the Gaels 2-1 in the second quarter and led 7-4 at halftime. Queen's controlled the second half and slowly inched their way back into the game, bringing it within one (8-7) with just over five minutes remaining. Both teams ended in a defensive stalemate as the Gee-Gees came away with the bronze-medal victory.

Morewood and Sarah Cruickshank led the Ravens with two goals apiece, while Carley Paquette, Rachel Howes, Case Langevin and Brank Trajkovik each scored once in the victory.

Caitlin Neapole, Sydney Hutchinson and Dakota Kenwood each scored twice for the Gaels, with Saskia Simunovic adding a single tally in the loss.

MAJOR AWARDS
Most Valuable Player – Rhianna Wood – Toronto Varsity Blues
Most Valuable Goaltender – Rachael Jaffe – Toronto Varsity Blues
Coach of the Year – George Gross Jr. – Toronto Varsity Blues
 
ALL-STARS
Emma Brezoczky – Toronto Varsity Blues
Danielle Hirsh – Ottawa Gee-Gees
Rachel Jaffe – Toronto Varsity Blues
Alicia Morewood – Carleton Ravens
Sara Sutherland – Toronto Varsity Blues
Caitlin Tiedje – Toronto Varsity Blues
Rhianna Wood – Toronto Varsity Blues
 
2018 NCWP Women's Water Polo Championship Schedule
University of Toronto
55 Harbord Street
 
Friday, November 30
Quarter-Final 1: Ottawa 13, Guelph 4
Quarter-Final 2: Carleton 12, McMaster 2

Saturday, December 1
Semifinal 1: Ottawa 11, Queen's 10
Semifinal 2: Toronto 14, Carleton 5
Consolation: McMaster 3, Guelph 2 (3-2 SO)

Sunday, December 2
Bronze Medal Game: Carleton 8, Queen's 7
Gold Medal Game: Toronto 12, Ottawa 2

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