UVIC sets up all-Canada West final defeating Queen’s 17-14
A second-half try by Vanessa Chiappetta helped the Victoria Vikes survive a late push from the Queen’s Gaels and secure a 17-14 win in the semifinal, punching their ticket to the gold-medal final of the 2024 Cavendish Farms U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship in Charlottetown.
Victoria struck first, with Maddie Grant breaking multiple tackles to score a try in the 12th minute. However, Queen’s responded shortly after as Siobhan Sherrin grounded the ball following a series of disciplined phases near the Vikes’ try line. Lizzie Gibson’s conversion gave the Gaels a slim 7-5 lead.Victoria regained control late in the first half with a try from Chloe Hill-Huse off a well-executed lineout play. Vanessa Chiappetta’s conversion pushed the Vikes ahead, 12-7, at halftime.
The second half saw Victoria extend their lead when Chiappetta capped off a cross-field drive with a try near the right-hand flag in the 43rd minute. Although her conversion missed, the Vikes held a 17-7 advantage.
Queen’s mounted a comeback with Sherrin’s second try at the 61st minute, and Gibson’s conversion brought the Gaels within three points. Despite a strong final push, Queen’s couldn’t penetrate Victoria’s defense, with a late penalty sealing their fate. Chiappetta’s kicking proved inconsistent in windy conditions, but her scoring contributions were pivotal for the Vikes.
The Victoria Vikes will face the UBC Thunderbirds on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET in the gold medal game, while Queen’s will play Ottawa for bronze at 12 p.m. ET.
Players of the game
Victoria: Justine Blatt-Janmaat
Queen's: Lizzie Gibson
SCORING SUMMARY
First Half
12' – VICTORIA Try: Maddie Grant (Conversion missed) – VICTORIA 5-0 QUEEN'S
24' – QUEEN'S Try: Siobhan Sherrin (Conversion by Lizzie Gibson) – QUEEN'S 7-5 VICTORIA
31' – VICTORIA Try: Chloe Hill-Huse (Conversion by Vanessa Chiappetta) – VICTORIA 12-7 QUEEN'S
Halftime
Victoria 12, Queen's 7
Second Half
43' – VICTORIA Try: Vanessa Chiappetta (Conversion missed) – VICTORIA 17-7 QUEEN'S
61' – QUEEN'S Try: Siobhan Sherrin (Conversion by Lizzie Gibson) – VICTORIA 17-14 QUEEN'S