Panthers win big in Corrigan’s record-breaking performance

By Thomas Becker

In a record setting performance, the UPEI Women's Rugby Panthers shut  out the Saint Mary's Huskies 76-0 at MacAdam Field Saturday afternoon.

PEI's own Alysha Corrigan led her team to victory, notching 31 points – on three tries and eight conversions – setting a new school record for points in a game, previously held by Jessica MacDonald's 25 points in 2002.

"It's exciting, but I definitely have to give credit to the team," said Corrigan. "They played very well and they were able to push up the middle, making my job a lot easier."

Corrigan, who nearly tripled her season point total (11 points entering Saturday's game), set the tone early for the Panthers, crossing the goal line twice  in a span of 10 minutes, giving the Panthers an early 14-0 lead.

"She sees things that other people don't," said Panthers head coach John LaBoyne. "She's just an amazing young woman and athlete."

Despite missing leading scorer Holly Jones to injury, UPEI delivered in all facets of the game, dominating the Huskies physically in scums and rucks, while using their speed and precision passing to create open lanes for scores.

Tara Campbell and Rebecca Chapman added two tries each in the half, while teammates Sidney Corrigan and Terrisa Lynch also contributed to UPEI's 50-point half with one apiece.

The Panthers momentum carried in the second half as Holly Hartlen, Alysha Corrigan, Anneke Dykerman and Sidney Corrigan each crossed for tries in the 76-0 win.

LaBoyne was pleased with his team's performance, giving them credit for executing a game plan filled with new ideas and concepts.

"This is the most gifted group of athletes that I've ever had to work with," he said. "We challenged our players and they stepped up in a big way."

With the win, the 2-2 Panthers now turn their attention to next week's game against the Acadia Axewomen in what could be a semifinal matchup when the playoffs kickoff later this month.

"If we perform like we did today, we'll do just fine."

Scoring Summary:

First Half

UPEI – Alysha Corrigan 5th minute try (Alysha Corrigan convert) – 7-0 UPEI

UPEI – Alysha Corrigan 10th minute try (Alysha Corrigan convert) – 14-0 UPEI

UPEI – Sidney Corrigan 13th minute try – 19-0 UPEI

UPEI – Tara Campbell 21st minute try (Alysha Corrigan convert) – 26-0 UPEI

UPEI – Terrisa Lynch 27th minute try – 31-0 UPEI

UPEI – Tara Campbell 34th minute try – 36-0 UPEI

UPEI – Rebecca Chapman 37th minute try (Alysha Corrigan convert) – 43-0 UPEI

UPEI – Rebecca Chapman 40th minute try (Alysha Corrigan convert) – 50-0 UPEI

Second Half

UPEI – Holly Hartlen 45th minute try – 55-0 UPEI

UPEI – Alysha Corrigan 49th minute try (Alysha Corrigan convert) – 62-0 UPEI

UPEI – Anneke Dykerman 52nd minute try (Alysha Corrigan convert) – 69-0 UPEI

UPEI – Sidney Corrigan 60th minute try (Alysha Corrigan convert) – 76-0 UPEI