QUEBEC CITY - A conversion by Audrey Champagne in the 61^st minute was all that separated the Laval and UBC, as the host Rouge et Or edged the Thunderbirds 7-5 in the fourth quarterfinal of the 2023 U SPORTS Women's Rugby Championship. The game kept the 3,577 fans at the Stade Telus – the largest crowd in Laval program history – on the edge of their seats throughout the 70 minutes.

Early in the game, Laval reached the end zone but was not able to put the ball down and get on the scoreboard. In the 20^th minute, UBC had a player sent to the sin bin, but that didn't stop them from scoring, thanks to a breakthrough by Adia Pye. Her run allowed the Thunderbirds to break the ice in the 23^rd minute. The conversion was missed, leaving the score 5-0 and it remained there through halftime.



In the second half, the Rouge et Or charged down their third kick in T-Birds territory, this time in the goal area, leaving the Laval line out only six yards from goal. Sure enough Léa Ouellet punched in a try from there, with less than 10 minutes to go in the match. The conversion by Champagne gave the Rouge et Or their first lead of the contest, and proved to be the difference.

The T-Birds will face UPEI in a consolation game on Friday at noon (PT).
 
Nike Team players of the game
Laval – #7 Léa Ouellet
UBC – #11 Adia Pye
 
SUMMARY
Laval 7 – UBC 5  
 
First Half
UBC – Try Adia Pye 23' (5-0)  
 
Second Half
LAV – Try Léa Ouellet (conversion Audrey Champagne) – 60' (7-5)