RECAP: #3 Gee-Gees fall in RSEQ Championship, shift focus to U SPORTS Nationals
The University of Ottawa women's rugby team were on Matt Anthony Field for the last time in the 2024-25 season. Hosting the Laval Rouge et Or in the RSEQ Championship game, the Gee-Gees were looking to defend their conference title against their biggest rivals.
Things started strong for the Gee-Gees despite the absence of their flyhalf, Aurora Bowie, who would later be awarded RSEQ player of the year recognition. Victoria Hough filled the role, directing the field and helping the Gee-Gees claim a 19-5 lead at halftime.
"I want to be there when we're winning, I want to be there when we're losing, I want to be with my team the whole time," Bowie said when asked about being unable to play. "It's hard to watch, but I'm glad that I can support and contribute from the sidelines."
Tylo Borsboom (9') and Leigha Stiles (13', 27') were the try scorers in the opening frame.
Laval turned this up a notch in the second half, showcasing why they are the defending U SPORTS gold medallists. The Rouge et Or put tonnes of pressure of the Gee-Gees, cutting the home team's lead to 19-17.
At the 59-minute mark, the lead flipped in favour of Laval. With a penalty kick to follow, the Rouge et Or had established a solid lead. With 25-19 on the scoreboard, and 20 minutes to play, tensions were rising.
Leigha Stiles powered through, and a completed conversion by Hough make it 26-25 for the Gee-Gees. As the clock winded down, Laval had possession.
The Rouge et Or set up for the penalty kick. Making it would end the game. The ball went wide left, but instead of the whistle blowing and a Gee-Gees celebration, the miscommunication gave Laval one last chance to score.
Laval didn't waste this chance and came away with a 32-26 win to win the RSEQ Championship.
"It was a tough game for the team today, but it's not over yet," said Bowie. "With nationals, we still have a lot to look forward to. We built a lot over the season, and we have lot more to show in the next three games."
The Gee-Gees will shift focus to the U SPORTS National Championship tournament hosted by UPEI from Oct. 31-Nov. 3.