Calgary, Alta. - The University of Victoria women's rugby team defeated the University of Lethbridge in the Canada West playoff semifinals, 36-10, Oct. 17 at McMahon Stadium to earn a spot in the Canada West gold medal match.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pronghorns take the lead, Vikes tie it before the half

• Though the Pronghorns took a 7-0 lead in 17th minute, the Vikes got on the board in the 21st minute with a penalty goal by Vanessa Chiappetta, narrowing Lethbridge's lead to 7-3.
• Lethbridge would add three points on a penalty goal of their own to take a 10-3 lead in the 27th minute, but the Vikes were able to make the most of advantage awarded to them in the 32nd minute. Maddy Grant started the play with a tap and go, and ran the ball in herself for the try. Along with a Chiapetta convert, the Vikes tied the game, 10-10.

Newsome strikes twice to put the Vikes ahead

• Olivia Newsome put the Vikes ahead in the 44th minute. Out of a Vikes scrum, the ball went straight to Newsome, who shimmied through Pronghorn defenders to break through and have a clear path to the in-goal, touching the ball down for the try. Chiappetta added her second convert of the day to give the Vikes a 17-10 lead.
• In the 53rd minute, an offload from Maddy Grant to Chloe Hill-Huse was quickly swung out to Newsome, who touched the ball down by the left corner flag to bring the score to 22-10 in favour of Victoria.

Blackmore, Peary add tries in the final 10 minutes

• A Vikes scrum in the 73rd minute got the ball to Newsome, who passed it to Summer Blackmore and in turn found a gap between Pronghorn defenders and charged 35 yards down the middle of the field for the try. Chiappetta put her convert attempt through the uprights to bring the Vikes' lead to 29-10.
• In the final minute of action, Shaye Ogurek's drive attempt was stopped by the Pronghorns, but Kira Peary was there to pick the ball up and run it the final 10 yards to get it down in the in-goal for the final try of the day. Chiappetta made her fourth convert of the afternoon to seal the win for the Vikes, 36-10.

WORTH NOTING

• Maddy Grant's try marked her first as a Vike.
• Olivia Newsome doubled her season try-scoring total in the win, bringing her total to four on the year.
• Vanessa Chiappetta led the Vikes' scoring efforts in the win with 11 points from four converts and one penalty goal.
• The Vikes will advance to the Canada West final for the fourth-straight year.
• Victoria's record improves to 5-1 overall on the season after starting the postseason 1-0. 

UP NEXT
The Vikes will face the winner of the University of British Columbia vs. University of Calgary semifinal in the gold medal game, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. MT. Catch the game on Canada West TV.