The Loyalist Lancers Women’s Rugby 7s team capped off one of the most successful seasons in program history on Saturday, earning the OCAA bronze medal at the provincial championships hosted by Humber College.
The medal marks the third OCAA bronze medal in program history.
The Lancers opened championship day against the host Humber Hawks in the provincial semi-final.
In a hard-fought battle, Loyalist came up short by a score of 17-7.
The Lancers’ lone try was scored by Cindy Brewsters, while Faith Ayres added the convert.
Despite the loss, Ayres delivered an outstanding performance and was named Player of the Game for Loyalist.
The semi-final defeat sent the Lancers into the bronze medal match against local rival St. Lawrence Surge.
The Lancers opened the scoring when Mayan Mackinnon crossed the try line, with Ayres successfully adding the conversion to give Loyalist an early 7-0 advantage.
Later in the half, Ayres added a try of her own to extend the lead to 12-0 and put the Lancers firmly in control.
The Lancers’ trademark defensive toughness once again shone through as they secured a 12-7 victory
For her strong all-around performance in the match, Evelyn Shakell was named the Lancers’ Player of the Game.
Adding to an already historic season, OCAA Women’s Rugby 7s Player of the Year Faith Ayres was named a Tournament All-Star.
The honour adds another accolade to a remarkable campaign for Ayres, who also finished the season as the Loyalist Women’s Rugby 7s program’s all-time leading scorer.
The bronze medal serves as a fitting conclusion to a successful season for the Lancers. Loyalist finished the regular season with a 12-2 record and earned recognition as one of the OCAA’s top programs.
Head Coach Jo Anne Robinson was named OCAA Coach of the Year, Ayres earned OCAA Player of the Year honours, and the team was recognized as the conference’s Best Defensive Team.
Individually, Ayres, Mackinnon, and Shakell were selected as OCAA League All-Stars, reflecting the depth and talent throughout the lineup.
