The St. Thomas University Tommies’ women’s rugby team won their home opener against the Mount Allison University Mounties on Sept. 20, marking their first win of the season. It was Mary-Kim Schriver’s first victory as an Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association head coach.
“It was pretty amazing,” Schriver said.
“The [players] did all the work and deserve every bit of recognition.”
They won 46-20, which put the Tommies at 1-1 this season. STU scored 15 minutes into the game after rookie Clarie Avery found the try zone, giving the Tommies a 5-0 lead.
Just 10 minutes later, scrumhalf Myriam Noel found a gap in the Mounties line from near center field, adding to the Tommies’ first half outbreak. They went into the second half with a comfortable 29-5 lead.
The Mounties scored back-to-back tries in the opening 10 minutes into the second half, rallying a comeback in attempt to spoil STU’s home opener, cutting their deficit to 29-15.
Schriver said she told her team to stay focused.
“It’s a 0-0 game the whole way through. Re-adjust, reset and just do what you have to do to get the energy back up,” she said.
The Tommies stopped the Mounties’ rally after Olivia Ricketts scored her first try of the night, with a kick conversion after to make the score 36-15.
STU finished the game with a 46-20 win, with other tries coming from Kristen Bulman, Elizabeth Harmon and Becca Baker scoring two tries. Emily Donelle got points as well, converting on three tries.
Olivia Ricketts said her team’s effort was rewarding.
“It was a team win. Everyone did their job on the field. It was nice to come together and get that result.”
