X-Women rugby post fourth consecutive shutout victory

With another dominant all-around performance, the CIS ranked No. 6 StFX X-Women recorded their fourth consecutive shutout in AUS rugby competition Sunday afternoon at Oland Stadium in Antigonish.

The X-Women (4-1) scored early and often in a 116-0 win over the visiting UPEI Panthers (1-3).

"It was good, but there are things we need to work on; we did dominate today, so we have to build on that," X-Women second-year fly half Sabrina McDaid commented after the match.

McDaid, of Scarborough, Ont., booted 13 conversions, earning Subway player of the match honours and setting an AUS record in the process for most conversions in a game.

When asked about converting so many kicks, she said it is about battling fatigue and "keeping focused."

"You get tired, but you try your best, and focus on your technique," McDaid said.

The X-Women offensive explosion started in the opening two minutes of the first half, with second-year wing Lauren Agnew scoring a try, her first of two in the match.

Zahra Batool and Mia Huysmans also collected two tries each in the opening half, while Tasha McKenzie, Natalie Lesco and Miranda Sample added one apiece.

McDaid chipped in six conversions in the opening 40 minutes as the X-Women led 57-0 at halftime.

The scoring trend continued in the second half, with freshman center Breanna Allison, of Cole Harbour, NS, using her blazing speed to collect a try in the opening minute.

Sample, #8, added two more tries in the second half, while McKenzie chipped in her second of the match.

Tanisha Campbell, Emma Taylor, Catharine MacKeigan, Breanna Allison and Erica Cranston added single tries in the balanced X-Women offensive attack.

In total the X-Women scored 18 tries, breaking the AUS record for the most tries scored in a single game. Their 116 point tally also topped the conference record books.

The win over the Panthers was the start of a three match in six days' homestead for the blue and white at Oland Stadium.

"We have to rest, keep our bodies active, and stay focused," McDaid said, when asked about preparing for the busy week.

The Saint Mary's Huskies (2-4) will visit Antigonish Wednesday, Oct. 2, while the St. Thomas Tommies (0-5) will be the opponent Friday, Oct. 4, as part of Homecoming 2013 on the StFX campus.

Both matches are scheduled to kick-off at 7 p.m.