Gunning for improvement
UPEI women’s rugby squad fired up for new season
A five-point loss to Acadia in the semifinals last year fuelled Sidney Corrigan and the UPEI Panthers women’s rugby team’s single-minded approach to the new Atlantic University Sport season.
Fittingly, the new campaign starts for UPEI against the Axewomen on Saturday at Acadia. Kickoff is 2 p.m.
“We’re going out for blood this year,” said Corrigan, with a slight smile. “But they’re a good team, so it won’t be easy.”
If Corrigan, a fifth-year flanker, is a bit tongue-in-cheek about the season opener, the Charlottetown native is serious about how she thinks the year can go, thanks in part to continuity in the coaching staff.
“The goal is getting the girls on the team to be better than we were last year. Just having (head coach) John (LaBoyne) and James (Voye) back helps a lot.”
LaBoyne and Voye took over last season, changing style of play, systems and coaching style, and saw an improved, more competitive squad.
One that, despite finishing 2-4, thumped Saint Mary’s 76-0 and Acadia 45-7 and gave juggernaut St. FX two solid games in losses. And the team placed three players on the AUS all-star team.
High hopes
Two of the three are back, and that, the coaching staff returning and bringing in over 20 rookies, has given LaBoyne high hopes.
“I’m optimistic. We fell a little short of our goal last year, but they had to learn a brand new system, new coaching style and new expectations in play,” said LaBoyne. “We have strong character-driven women who stepped up and are taking their place.”
Gone are last-year’s second leading scorer Holly Jones, Rebecca Chapman, Lauren Chamberlain and Emily Keen. But Corrigan and fourth-years Alysha Corrigan, Niki Triantafillou, AUS all-star Brodie Cassata and Terrisa Lynch should slip into that leadership role.
Alysha Corrigan, an AUS allstar at fullback and last year’s leading scorer, knows St. Francis Xavier is a tough out, so
she’s aiming for Acadia and Saint Mary’s and shooting for a 4-2 record, which would be the best record since a 3-2-1 mark in 2006.
“Acadia is who were gunning for this year. This could be one of the best UPEI teams we’ve seen,” said the Charlottetown native.
Alysha said last season, because of the new coaching staff, every player was equal and competing for a spot. Tara Campbell, now a second-year centre/wing, took advantage of the level pitch and earned a roster slot. She responded with four trys.
This year, she’s determined to lead and avoid a sophomore slump.
“I feel like my first year I performed pretty well. But this year I want to be a role model to the 23 rookies coming in, and show them you just don’t slump off. You have to feel pressure to get where we want to be. But it’s good pressure,” said Campbell. On Saturday, Sept. 23, the Panthers will hold an open house for all female rugby teams at the A to AAA level. Teams will tour the university and facilities, and receive free admission UPEI’s home game versus Saint Mary’s. Game time is 2 p.m.