No. 9-ranked X-Women Power Past Panthers in Season Opener

ANTIGONISH, N.S. – The U SPORTS No. 9 ranked STFX X-Women opened their AUS regular season in dominant fashion Friday night, defeating the UPEI Panthers 45-7 in front of a lively crowd of 500 fans at STFX Stadium.

The X-Women struck early, with Jillian Griffith and Jessie Penney scoring tries in the opening 15 minutes, both converted by Katie Murphy. UPEI fought back in the 24th minute when Rowan Gallagher crossed the line, converted by Lauren Misener, narrowing the gap to 14-7.

STFX responded before the break, with Alison LeBlanc touching down to give the home side a 19-7 lead at halftime.

In the second half, it was all STFX. Penney scored her second try of the night, while Akwaima Akpan and Van VonMuehldorfer also dotted down. Griffith capped her standout performance with a second try of her own, while also adding three conversions.

Griffith finished with 16 points and earned STFX Player of the Game honours.

For UPEI, centre Sara Bain was named Player of the Game.

Final Score

STFX X-Women 45 – UPEI Panthers 7

Scoring Summary

First Half

• STFX – Griffith try (Murphy convert), 4'

• STFX – Penney try (Murphy convert), 14'

• UPEI – Gallagher try (Misener convert), 24'

• STFX – LeBlanc try, 31'

Second Half

• STFX – Penney try, 53'

• STFX – Akpan try (Griffith convert), 60'

• STFX – VonMuehldorfer try (Griffith convert), 62'

• STFX – Griffith try (Griffith convert), 66'

What's Next

• The X-Women hit the road next Saturday to face the Saint Mary's Huskies in Halifax.

• The Panthers return home for a matchup against the Acadia Axewomen, also on Saturday.4

-30-

Photo courtesy of STFX Athletics