The Golden Hawks women’s rugby team hosted the Waterloo Warriors in the Battle of Waterloo while also holding Senior Day celebrations. Emotions were high for all players as the game marked the last regular season home appearance for the Hawks, and potentially the final time the graduating athletes play in front of their supporters.
Both teams were looking to get back into the win column as the Hawks got shut out the previous week against the Western Mustangs, and the Warriors were defeated by the Toronto Varsity Blues. Laurier was also looking to get even with the Warriors after being defeated in the previous Battle of Waterloo.
The Warriors got off to a quick start, pushing deep into Hawks territory. The defence proved stellar for the home side, preventing a try, gaining possession, and moving back to the half line. The Hawks prevented three Warrior tries throughout the game, one of which came after the Warriors blocked a kick to force a turnover, but were stopped just short of the tryzone.
Midway through the first half, the Hawks struck first when senior Janeen Burke found the tryzone, putting her side up 5-0. The score would stand going into the second half.
However, in the second half, the Warriors piled on the points, taking advantage of the injuries sustained on the Hawks side, notably the sidelining of star 8-Man and senior Eden Lohr.
Warriors Laura Franco-Valencia started her side’s scoring by finding the tryzone, and not ten minutes later, Karen Chen also secured a try followed by a successful conversion by Philippa Reid who also scored a penalty goal in the late minutes of the game.
The Hawks fell in a hard fought battle to town rivals by a score of 15-5.
Despite the loss, Assistant Coach Amanda Andres credited the hard work her side put in, “We actually played extremely well. We did everything right on defence. Our attack was there … Our girls played outstanding from last week compared to this week.”
“We will be looking at our bench and seeing who’s ready to compete this week. I have faith in every single one of these players.” Andres added, addressing the injuries sustained in the match.
The day ended with a celebration for Senior Day as Head Coach Dave McLean acknowledged all the work and effort the seniors have put in through their time at Laurier.
Impactful senior Lohr said postgame her performances are driven by her passion for rugby, and the passion reflected by her teammates. “I’m taking it all, lifelong friends. Especially through the pandemic, we were there for each other when rugby wasn’t even able to go on. It’s awesome to see and be a part of [the immense growth]. I’m glad I got to be that pivotal teammate this year.”
Congratulations to seniors Jordan Robinson, Tiffany McDonald, Kristen Dajka, Janeen Burke, Morgan Longley, Mary Clare Haasen, Tasha Cory, Eden Lohr, and Paige Hallett.
Photo credits: Hailey Tripodi, Athletics