Gaels Fall to Western in OUA Bronze Medal Match

LONDON, Ont. (October 25, 2014) – The No. 6 Gaels reached the end of their 2014 season this Saturday as the Western  Mustangs claimed the OUA bronze medal with a 22-19 victory over Queen's. Breanne Nicholas was the driving force behind Western's success putting down two of their three tries, scoring two conversions and successfully completing a penalty kick.  
 
The Mustangs had the upper hand from kick-off, determined to grab the third OUA spot in the CIS Championship. Pushing through the Gaels defensive line, Nicholas put the first try on the board in the 6^th minute of play. The Gaels responded quick on the offensive in hopes of climbing into the lead and were able to shut down advances until Andrea Bowra broke through their lines to put down the second try for the Mustangs with a conversion from Nicholson. The Mustangs kept up the momentum with Nicholson putting down her second try and conversion of the game shortly after. The Gaels wouldn't let Western leave the first half with a shutout as Caitie Ryan (Kamloops, B.C) crossed the goal line to score their first try of the game putting the score at 19-5 for Western at half.  
 
The second half saw an aggressive battle for the upper hand and a spot in the CIS Championship with Western being awarded, and successfully kicking, a penalty kick. The Gaels fought hard for the lead, shutting down the Mustangs offense and keeping their mark at 22 points until the final whistle. Lauren McEwen (Wasaga Beach, Ont.) dominated the pitch putting down two consecutive tries and kicking two successful conversions for the Gaels, closing the gap. The Gaels were just a penalty kick away from tying the match but the Mustangs were able to maintain their lead, putting the final score at 22-19 for Western.
 
With their win the Mustangs will head into the CIS Championships scheduled for next weekend. The Gaels will not be returning to the CIS Championship where they grabbed the bronze medal last year.

Source: Queen's Gaels