LETHBRIDGE – Coming off a season opening loss last weekend, the Lethbridge Pronghorn women's rugby team face a stiff test on the west coast, playing two games in three days versus a pair of strong teams in the UBC Thunderbirds and University of Victoria Vikes.
The Pronghorns take on the T-Birds Friday afternoon at Gerald McGavin UBC Field. Kick-off is slated for 4:00 pm PT. On Sunday the 'Horns conclude the trip with a match up with the Vikes in Victoria at 11:30 am PT.
Last weekend the Pronghorns fell behind 17-0 in Edmonton only to score the only points in the second half but the comeback fell a bit short dropping a 17-10 decision.
Abigail Duguid and
Caitlin Sears scored tries in the Pronghorns loss.
"After a disappointing performance and result we are eager to play better this weekend," said Pronghorn head coach Neil Langevin. "Traveling to the coast is always a challenge against the two BC schools in one weekend and is especially more difficult playing our third game in 7 days."
"The girls have had some time to review video and rest from a physical game with Alberta and are committed to a good performance this weekend."
UBC, arguably the most improved team in Canada West this season, came from behind to hand the Victoria Vikes a close 26-24 loss. After trailing for most of the contest, the T-Birds scored two tries in the final minutes to upset the Vikes. The Vikes finished second in the conference last season.
Last season, the Pronghorns beat the Thunderbirds 34-22 in Vancouver and then beat them again in the Canada West bronze medal game 26-13 in Calgary.
However, the Pronghorns didn't fare as well against the Victoria Vikes, losing 59-20 during their regular season match-up in Victoria. In the Canada West semi-finals, the Pronghorns came with in one try of upsetting the second ranked Vikes but dropped a tight 20-17 decision.
Next up for the Pronghorns will be their home opener and leg two of the Ric Suggitt Memorial Cup, hosting the Alberta Pandas Saturday, September 22 at 3:00 pm.
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