Eoin Colquhoun, Pronghorn Athletics
LETHBRIDGE – Playing in their final game of the season, the Lethbridge Pronghorns upset the U SPORTS fifth ranked and previously undefeated Calgary Dinos 23-15.
The Pronghorns were eliminated from post-season contention two weeks ago when the Dinos won the first game of two between the two teams, 41-17. The Pronghorns finish the season with a 2-4 record.
Heading into the final conference game, the Dinos had already clinched top spot for the Canada West final four in Edmonton next weekend but the loss snaps a 21 game winning streak over Canada West opponents and finish with a 5-1 record.
"I am really proud of our team's effort today," said Pronghorn head coach Neil Langevin. "They really listened to what we wanted to do defensively and they dug in today."
"Tackling is not an easy thing and they were really emotional and we really earned that win today."
Off the opening kick-off, the Pronghorns recovered their own kick and pushed deep into the Dinos' defensive end and were rewarded with a first minute try from Abby Duguid.
However the lead would not last long, off a deep scrum, the Dinos pushed toward the Pronghorn end zone with Kasselle Menin scoring an unconverted try to tie the game at five.
On the next possession, the Pronghorns regained the lead only four minutes later on a Caitlin Sears penalty goal from 25-yards out.
Again the Dinos would respond, as winger Isla Shill broke away to score the Dinos second try of the game in the 20th minute. Elysa Sandron's convert had the line, but just fell short to give the Dinos their first lead of the game, 10-8.
The back-and-forth action continued with the Pronghorns regaining their lead three minutes shy of half time. Duguid broke through the Dino defence to score her second try. The try went unconverted to give the Pronghorns a 13-10 lead heading into the second half.
In the opening moments of the second half, the scoring continued with the Dinos retaking the lead, Shill faked a pass to the inside, slipping through the Pronghorns defence to touch down her second try of the game. The unconverted try game the Dinos a 15-12 lead.
Following a long stretch of strong defensive play by both sides, Pronghorn Carolyn McKee broke a pair of tackles just outside the 10-yard line and scampered for her first try of the game. With the convert missing to the right, the Pronghorns took an 18-15 lead with 23 minutes to play.
Sydney De La Mare got in on the action in the 75th minute, scoring the Pronghorns fourth and final try to seal the victory.
The University of Alberta will host the Canada West Championships October 19th and 21st.
Scoring Summary
1 2 F
Leth 13 10 23
CGY 10 5 15
1' – LET try – Abby Duguid – Convert missed - 5-0
7' – CGY try – Kasselle Menin - Convert Missed - 5-5
11' – LET Penalty goal – Caitlin Sears- 8-5
20' – CGY try – Isla Shill – Convert missed 10-8
37' – LET try – Abby Duguid – Convert missed 13-10
Second half
42' – CGY try – Isla Shill – Convert missed – 15-13
57' – LET try – Carolyn McKee – Convert missed – 18-15
75' – LET try – Sydney De La Mare – Convert missed – 23-15
-30-
Photo by: MPP Photography