OCAA WOMEN'S RUGBY CROSSOVERS PREVIEW

TORONTO - The second season has arrived in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) as six women's rugby teams remain in the hunt for this year's provincial championship.

Both the Algonquin Thunder (6-0-0) and Humber Hawks (6-0-0) earned a well-deserved bye into the semifinals after winning their respective regional championships. The second and third place teams from each division will square off this weekend to determine the other semifinal berths.

A crossover format is used in the post-season, beginning with the second-place team hosting the third-place team from the opposite division. There is no interdivisional play during the regular season, as opponents face each other for the first time in 2012.

The 2012 OCAA Women's Rugby Championship takes place Nov. 17 or 18.

Loyalist (2-3-1, 3rd East) at Seneca (4-2-0, 2nd West)
Saturday, Nov. 3 - 12 p.m.

Seneca is the only non-divisional champion to finish with a better than .500 record during the regular season. That stat may be misleading, however, as one of its victories was by default over an injured Conestoga squad.

As a result, the Sting haven't played an actual match since Oct. 13. Those who see the glass half full will say they are well-rested, while those who see the glass have empty will say they have gained rust. Only time will tell which school of thought is correct.

First-year player Yetunde Kolusade (Brampton) led Seneca with five tries in four games totaling 25 points. First-year back Jennifer Wedlock (Richmond Hill) led the Sting kicking game with five converts along with one try for 15 points.

Loyalist has gone undefeated its last two matches, both played since Seneca's last game. Loyalist was shut out in its three regular season losses, meaning when they score, the Lancers have not suffered defeat.

Veteran players Erica Lauzon (Odessa) and Kellee Young (Shannonville) scored three tries each for Loyalist during the regular season. First-year back Kim Noble (Brighton) led all Lancers with 16 points on one try, four converts and a penalty kick.

The winner of this match visits East champion Algonquin on Nov. 11.

Conestoga (3-3-0, 3rd West) at St. Lawrence-Kingston (2-3-1, 2nd East)
Saturday, Nov. 3 - 1 p.m.

As previously mentioned, Conestoga was forced to forfeit its match against Seneca, costing the Condors a chance to finish above .500.

The defending silver medalist have played a game since, defeating Mohawk 43-5 on Tuesday. Rust will not be an issue when the Condors travel to Kingston.

First-year player Candace Scholten (Baden) led Conestoga with 28 points during the regular season, scoring four tries while adding four converts. Teammates Amber-Lee Vinandy (Cambridge) and Nicole Greene (Cambridge) scored three tries each.

St. Lawrence enters the post-season having gone winless in its last three matches. The Vikings earned a home playoff game after tying Loyalist 12-12 in their regular season finale.

Second-year player Stephanie Doornekamp (Westport) leads the Vikings with 22 points this season on three tries, two converts and a penalty kick. Second-year teammates Juletta Cull (Douglas) and Mariah Patrick (Napanee) scored two tries each for St. Lawrence.

The winner of this match visits West champion Humber on Nov. 10.

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is a recognized leader in intercollegiate athletics in the province, dedicated to student athlete and sport development. The OCAA has 30 members sponsoring 16 league and tournament championships.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
Fax: 416-426-7308
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com