Panthers power their way past Huskies 73-5

By Thomas Becker

The UPEI Panthers put on a show in their third game of the season, defeating the Saint Mary's Huskies 73-5 Saturday afternoon.

With the pressure mounting after watching rivals Acadia and St. FX start their seasons with perfect records, the Panthers (1-2) knew they had to make a statement—and they did so with authority.

"It was important for us to have a strong win," said rookie fullback Rowan Gallagher, who was one of two Panthers to finish with a pair of tries. "We wanted to show that we're still a big contender despite the results of our first two games." 

For the Panthers, it was their highest-scoring game since 2022. Head coach James Voye said he was pleased to see his new offensive structure pay off with a lopsided score.

"I like that we controlled possession for about 85 to 90 per cent of the game," Voye said. "We showed our attack shape, got confident running it and scored tries with it. We didn't always get the line breaks we were hoping for, but we still made positive progress up the field."

Emily-Anne MacQuarrie set the tone early for UPEI, using her strength to bulldoze through the Huskies' defence. She scored the game's first try in the 8th minute, crashing over the line from close distance. Just seven minutes later, MacQuarrie struck again, this time powering through several defenders to touch down in the 15th minute. Charlotte Branchflower nailed her first of nine conversions, giving the Panthers a quick 12-0 lead. 

Panthers' captain, Emma MacLean, extended the lead in the 22nd minute. Displaying her trademark grit, MacLean dragged a defender across the goal line from five metres out to make it 19-0.

In the 30th minute, a penalty by Saint Mary's (0-3) presented an opportunity that scrum-half Mia Fradsham seized with her quick reflexes. Fradsham caught the defence flat-footed and took a quick tap before sprinting 20 metres for another try that stretched the lead to 26-0. Not to be outdone, Ria Johnston followed this up with a dazzling 60-metres run, slicing through the Huskies' defence to push the score to 33-0.

As the first half drew to a close, Mackenzie Stewart added an impressive 40-metre run, breaking multiple tackles to give UPEI a commanding 38-0 lead at the break.

The second half began much like the first, with the Panthers wasting no time in asserting their dominance. Less than two minutes in, Sarah Bain delivered a perfectly timed fake pass before bolting through the line for a try from 30 metres out, pushing the lead to 45-0.

Gallagher made her presence felt in the 58th minute, breaking a tackle and sprinting 50 metres to score her first of two tries in the match.

Saint Mary's managed to get on the board in the 61st minute, with Elliana Porter finishing off a well-executed play to make it 52-5. However, UPEI quickly reasserted themselves. Off a scrum in the 69th minute, Fradsham released the ball to Alanna Mabey, who finished with a try, making it 59-5. Emily Duffy then showcased her strength, bulldozing through several defenders to score from 22 metres out in the 76th minute.

Gallagher capped off the afternoon with her second try, diving over the line in extra time to seal a 73-5 victory for the Panthers. 

After the game, Gallagher reflected on her hot start with new team. The freshman from Halifax already has three tries in as many games, making her the mid-season favourite for the Rookie of the Year award.

"The transition onto the team was natural and easy thanks to my incredible teammates and coaches," Gallagher said. "The first three games were challenging, but I can feel my confidence growing with each one."

UPEI looks to build on their momentum as they prepare to host the St. FX X-Women next Saturday, while the Huskies will regroup to face the Acadia Axewomen.

Photo Credit: Mike Needham