LETHBRIDGE - Senior Shannon Court and fullback Brittany Orr did all the damage for the Horns, scoring three tries apiece, While Laura Murphy-Burke hit three of 6 converts in a 36-7 win for Lethbridge over UBC in their Canada West semi-final. The loss eliminates UBC from CIS Championship contention.
Orr opened the scoring just shy of the three minute mark, while Court scored twice before the 25th minute to push the score to 17-0. Despite the solid start, it wasn't smooth sailing for the 'Horns as dropped balls, poor passing and solid defending by UBC led to a stalled 'Horns attack and the score remained the same at the half.
The Thunderbirds were able to put together some good attacking runs but precision tackling by the Horns snuffed out any T-Bird surges.
The stalemate continued into the second half, with the same mistakes plaguing the Horns, until Court took the ball at the 35-yard line and scampered in for her third try. Murphy-Burke hit her second convert to push the lead to 24.
Orr scored her second on the afternoon before the T-Birds were able to hit the scoreboard.
Radha Jain broke free 30 yards out and was able to touch the ball down.
Darcy Patterson had the convert for UBC.
Orr scored the final try with only seconds left and Murphy-Burke hit the convert to close out the scoring.
“Playing against UBC is always tough,” commented Lethbridge head coach Neil Langevin. “They are physical and don't quit. Our defence was strong and with big tackles they turned the ball over .”
The Thunderbirds face their provincial rival, the Victoria Vikes, in the Canada West bronze medal game at 10:00 a.m. PT on Sunday. Lethbridge takes on Alberta in the CW final at 12:00 p.m.
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