Lethbridge – The original powerhouse in Canada West women’s rugby, University of Alberta Pandas, re-staked their claim atop the conference standings with a convincing 38-19 win over the six-time defending Canada West champion Lethbridge Pronghorns.

Amee Svatos led the way for the Pandas with two tries, while Chelsea Guthrie, Paige Farries, Teanna Chase and Mia Hiller scored singles. Chase also made three converts.

For the ‘Horns, Cassandra Orr, Laura Murphy-Burke and Kim Leavitt scored tries. Murphy-Burke hit on two converts as well.

After winning the first seven conference championships, the Pandas were dethroned by the Pronghorns in 2006 but have now made it clear they will be the team to beat next weekend when they host the Canada West Championship tournament.

The Pandas finished the conference schedule with a perfect 4-0 record and will face the UBC Thunderbirds in one semi-final, while the ‘Horns, after having their 22-game conference winning streak broken by the Calgary Dinos two weeks ago, finish the regular season with a 2-2 record and will face the Dinos in the other semi-final next Saturday.

After a feeling out process for the first ten minutes, and the teams exchanging kicks for field position, the Alberta Pandas began to use the wind to their advantage, and were finally able to crack the ‘Horns defense.

Amee Svatos broke free from a string of Panda passes and scored her second try of the season. Teanna Chase hit the convert to make the score 7-0 Pandas thirteen minutes in.

The Pandas added to their lead six minutes later with Chelsea Guthrie breaking two tackles and scampered on a 30 yard run to add the second try of the game. Chase made her second convert.

Looking to get back into the game, the ‘Horns pushed forward as senior Alex Hendricks made a strong run down the sidelines but was forced out of bounds at the five yard line.

Just before the half, the Pandas added to their lead. Paige Farries took a layoff pass and cut the ball back, breaking free to score the Pandas third try. Chase made it 21-0 with a strong kick from a difficult angle.

Even into a stiff wind to start the second half, the Pandas struck again only two minutes in as Svatos touched the ball down in the corner. With the tough angle and a strong breeze the convert was no good.

Six minutes later, the ‘Horns were finally able to punch one in. After a strong set of passes and rucks, Cassandra Orr was able to push through the Panda line for the first Pronghorn try. Laura Murphy-Burke made the convert.

Two consecutive scores by the Pandas put any hope of a Pronghorn comeback to rest. Chase scored but missed her own convert before Mia Hiller broke free up the middle and touched the ball down under the uprights. Rebecca Fairbairn converted the try to push the score to 38-7.

Not going down without a fight the ‘Horns scored two consecutive tries of their own, with Murphy-Burke scoring a converted try of her own and backrow Kim Leavitt pushing another try through in the 75^th minute to conclude the scoring.
                               
Scoring Summary
First half
AB – Amme Svatos try 13^th minute (Teanna Chase Convert)
AB- Chelsea Guthrie try 20^th minute (Chase convert)
AB- Paige Farries try 39^th minute (Chase convert)
 
Second half
AB – Amee Svatos try 42^nd minute (convert failed)
Leth – Cassandra Orr try 48^th minute (Laura Murphy-Burke convert)
AB – Teanna Chase try 55^th minute (convert failed)
AB – Mia Hiller try 61^st minute (Rebecca Fairbairn convert)
Leth – Laura Murphy-Burke try 71^st minute (Murphy-Burke convert)
Leth – Kim Leavitt try 75^th minute (convert failed)