ST CATHARINES - The No. 8 nationally ranked Brock Badgers women's rugby team delivered an exciting 14-10 victory over the visiting Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field.

After breaking into the U SPORTS national rankings earlier in the week, expectations were set high for the Badgers in an important matchup with the Varsity Blues. Both teams held 2-2 records heading into the second last weekend of the OUA regular season with playoff aspirations on the line.

Brock started the game well, holding possession for large chunks of the opening half, while keeping Toronto pinned in their own end. This strong play was rewarded with a try courtesy Chihinga Palata who dived in from close to put the Badgers ahead 5-0. Before the break Paige DeNeve would add a penalty goal to make it an 8-0 lead.

Returning to the field following halftime, the Varsity Blues came out with renewed intensity. The Badgers defence received excellent tackling from Olivia Van Wart and Farica Truong. However, Toronto was able to secure a score from a penalty try to cut the Badgers lead to just one point 8-7.

Heading into the final minutes, the Varsity Blues continued to control second half play, utilizing their time in the Badgers half to score a penalty goal to take a 10-8 lead with only a few minutes remaining.

The Badgers would not be denied the victory though as they drove the field on two occasions in the last five minutes of play to setup two penalty kicks successfully made by DeNeve. The win marks the third in a row for Brock and places them into the top four of the OUA standings.

The No. 8 Badgers will next head to Hamilton for their regular season finale versus the McMaster Marauders on Friday, Oct. 7. Kick off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

BADGERS AT A GLANCE
Overall Record: 3-4
Conference Record: 3-2

Next match: Friday, Oct. 7 @ McMaster Marauders • 7 p.m. - Hamilton, ON

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