X-Women defeat NCAA Quinnipiac in precursor to Canadian game

Halifax, NS - The StFX X-Women defeated the Quinnipiac Bobcats 17-15 in a tight match at the Wanderers Ground in Halifax on Saturday afternoon in pre-season exhibiton play. 

The game was played prior to the Canadian senior women's team vs Wales. The Canadians won 31-3. 

In the STFX match front-row forward, Maddie Harroun (Halifax, NS), scored the game's first try to put the X-Women up 5-0. 

The Bobcats made the X-Women pay for their indiscipline when Fodhla Ni Brhaonain slotted her kick between the posts to make the score 5-3. 

The Bobcats started the second half in the ascendency and made their pressure count when Alexandra Erdolino touched down for the Bobcats. NiBrhaonain was successful with the conversion to make the lead nine points. StFX remained on the back foot and the Bobcats increased their lead to 15-3 on a try by Addison Walker.

Down, but not out, the X-Women regained their focus. Winger Kathleen Dolan (Halifax, NS) and the conversion by Emily Dodge (Fall River, NS) made the score 15-12.  The final few minutes were a tense affair as the Bobcats clung to a narrow lead. With only a few sands left in the hour glass Emma MacDougall (Halifax, NS) scored the game's final try to give the X-Women a precious two-point victory over a superb Bobcats side.

Following the match, Quinnipiac Head Coach, Becky Carlson, commented, "The game was a well-fought match and a great start for our program to kick off the season on Canadian soil with our new friends from the north." 

Long time StFX Assistant Coach, Tara Sutherland remarked, "It was a great game that went back and forth against a formidable US Division One team." 

The X-Women will host a pre-season exhibition tournament on Saturday, September 3rd at STFX Stadium with Saint Mary's and Acadia taking part. Game times are still to be detemined. 

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Courtesy Bart Sears, STFX Sports Information

STFX X-Women and Quinnipiac Bobcats - photo credit Annette Duggan