LONDON, Ont. – There was a sense that the Guelph Gryphons women's rugby team came into the new OUA season ready to go. The two-time defending OUA champions certainly looked like a hungry group after defeating the Western Mustangs 73-0 on the road in London Friday night.
 
Guelph began its season with a real test in Kingston, winning 39-34 over Queen's in a rematch of the 2017 OUA final. But the Gryphons were all business in a one-sided match against the Mustangs. Fourth-year Guelph native Emmanuela Jada, who is playing a new position this year at centre, led the team with four tries, while fourth-year centre Alexandra Everett added three more. The dangerous centre duo proved too much for Western to handle as they combined for the first four tries of the match. Jada was a key figure for the Gryphons, using her blazing speed to carve up the Mustangs.

Third-year flanker Amara Hill had two tries, with Emilie Nicholl, Emily Frasson, Rebecka Sundell, and Mikaela MacDonald each touching down once. Veteran fly half Julia Schell was good on four converts.

Guelph controlled the ball well early but did have trouble in slick conditions because of the humidity in London. They had a few sloppy moments with dropped balls and penalties but after a rough stretch, the Gryphons produced a strong goal-line stand, shutting Western out of the game from that point.

 
Gryphon Take
"Jada was unstoppable when she got the ball in space. She zigged and zagged through the defence. And Zana Everett was named player of the match with her powerful line breaks and defensive prowess." – head coach Colette McAuley

 
The Record
Guelph is 2-0.

 
Next up
York, Saturday, Sept. 22, Noon @ Varsity Field