Matt Dionne | Sports and Health Editor
Featured image: The Lionesses came out roaring with another 70-point margin of victory. | Amir Yazdanparast
The Lions rugby team added another decisive victory to their record this week, beating the U of T Varsity Blues by a score of 71-0.
The victory is the first time York has beaten their cross-town rival this year in any sport.
U of T looked completely outmatched, and were surrounded by a sea of red jerseys every time they touched the ball. This was the second time this season the Lions have beaten an opponent by 70 or more points; the first came in their season opener against Brock.
“This was an amazing game for us. We really used it to fix all of the little mistakes we were making. The crowd was awesome and we really fed off that and performed like we’re capable of!” says Tobi Owotomo, who scored four tries in the game.
Brooke Jensen opened the scoring for York 13 minutes into the game, giving the Lions an early lead. Less than two minutes later, Owotomo scored her first of four tries on the night. Sasha Seymour was the third Lioness to score, adding a try late in the half. Catherine Belanger made good on three conversions and the Lions took a 31-0 lead into the half.
The women weren’t done yet, though. Their offensive outpouring continued just six minutes into the second, when fifth-year student Jonelle Mars scored on a run that started at mid-field.
Michela Stratton and Petra Woods each added a pair of tries, as the Varsity Blues were helpless against the speed and power of the Lionesses.
With the victory, York has now clinched a playoff berth in the Ontario University Athletics, or OUA, Russell Division, where they sit third, behind second-place Queen’s and first-place Guelph.
York has made the playoffs the last few seasons, but they’ve been unable to get very far, losing in their first game each time. However, new coach Jenn Russell will look to buck that trend and lead the Lions to their first playoff victory in several years.
“Coming into this season we all agreed we want to fight! We want to go as far as we can and I believe we’re true OUA contenders this year. We just have to play the game the way we want to, and the playoffs will go our way,” says Owotomo.
York’s toughest competition in the Russell Division appears to be McMaster, who beat the Lions earlier in the year. Mac has scored 222 points this season while only giving up 18 points against—13 of which came courtesy of the Lions.
“Mac is definitely the biggest contender to the title this year. They’re the defending [Canadian Interuniversity Sport] champs, but we know that with a bit more time and work, we could steal their crown,” says Owotomo.
York’s next and final game is in Kingston against Queen’s. If the Lions can get the win, they will move up to second in their division and will have the opportunity to host a playoff game.
