VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds are gearing up to make an impact on the national stage as their set to begin play at the 2021 U SPORTS Women's Rugby Championship on Wednesday with a 4:30 p.m. PT quarter-final meeting against the host Queen's Gaels at Nixon Field in Kingston, Ont.
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The T-Birds enter the tournament which runs from November 10th to 14th, as the only team other than Laval to post a perfect record this year, which includes defence of their Canada West crown a couple of weeks ago to improve to a combined 7-0 mark.
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The 'Birds enjoyed a very successful 2021 Canada West regular season campaign thanks to some convincing victories that saw them outscore their opponents 241-55 in regular season action en route to an unblemished 5-0.
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UBC carried that consistency and momentum forward into the postseason which began with a 22-12 win over the host Calgary Dinos in the Canada West semifinals before defending their conference title three days later. It was a close match in the opening half but the T-Birds exploded out of the gates after the break and rattled off 40 consecutive points to earn the decisive 47-13 victory over the University of Victoria Vikes in the championship final.
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"The team and staff are excited to challenge ourselves against the best teams in the country," said the back-to-back Canada West Coach of the Year award recipient and leader of the T-Birds
Dean Murten in advance of the tournament. "After a great regular season, we are looking forward to the next challenge. I am very pleased where the team is right now, they have been growing in confidence and ability throughout the regular season. However, they all know we still have a lot to do.
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The T-Birds boast a lineup flush with talent and depth led by the likes of second-year fly half
Savannah Bauder, a dual-threat who led the conference with 82 points scored this season and was named the Canada West Player of the Year.
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Other standouts among many who will make their presence felt for the 'Birds at nationals include, fifth-year centre
Madison Gold, fourth-year centre
Shoshanah Seumanutafa, third-year back row
Emma Feldinger, third-year fullback
Kally King, first-year wing
Piper Logan, first-year prop
Mikiela Nelson and first-year centre
Florence Symonds.
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It will no doubt be a tough test to open the championship facing the host Gaels (5-1), who coming into play are ranked second in the country behind UBC and came up one game shy of perfection in OUA play, falling to Guelph in the conference championship game.
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"We only received the final draw on Sunday so we have only been able to watch the OUA final." Added Murten referencing preparations for Wednesday's opponent. "What we do know about Queens is that they're a very well coached team with some outstanding players, they have many threats that we need to contain. With them being hosts and I would say one of the favorites to win the championship we need to be on the top of our game to get the win."
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The winner of UBC vs Queen's advances to face the winner of the Laval (defending U SPORTSÂ champions) vs Acadia match.
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You can catch the action on CBC Sports' digital platforms (CBCSports.ca, CBC Gem (Canada only) and the CBC Sports App) provide complete English championship coverage. French broadcasts will be available on USPORTS.ca.
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