Challenging the Laurier Golden Hawks in their OUA regular season opener on Saturday afternoon, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's rugby team battled to a 24-14 victory at Varsity Stadium.

Following a 10-minute defensive stalemate to begin the match, the Blues broke through for two tries to open the scoring courtesy Nikhita Chopra and Emma Yang. Megan Kennedy-Spence nailed the convert on the second try to make it a 12-0 lead for Toronto. However, right before the half Laurier would end the shutout and make it a 12-7 match heading into the intermission.

Action continued in the second half with both U of T and Laurier finding the try zone and scoring successful converts, but a final try for the Blues in the last minute of play sealed the victory for the home-side. Second half tries for Toronto were scored by Sydney Heighington and Liane Catibog, while Kennedy-Spence added a second successful convert to her day.

Laurier tries on the afternoon were scored by Morgan Longley and Eden Lohr, while Taylor Bulgin added successful converts following both tries.

The Blue and White now hit the road for a tough two-game swing beginning next Saturday, Sept. 9 in Kingston versus the Queen's Gaels. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., with the road match set to be streamed live and on-demand via oua.tv.