Tommies Versus the Ironmaidens: a Finals Preview
The fierce rivalry between the University of New Brunswick Fredericton and St. Thomas University is too familiar for the city of Fredericton. The clash between schools continues as the women’s rugby teams are facing off in the ACAA Championships at UNB.
This is the fourth straight year UNB and STU has gone head to head in the playoffs. UNB, has won the previous three meetings with the Tommies.
Like the Cleveland Cavaliers losing to the Golden State Warriors, some may assume the Tommies have no shot. People like Tommies Head Coach Meghan Morrison believe this year is different.
“There’s this feeling that we’ve had in the past that UNB was unbeatable; and so, I think we’ve gone in to this final game before not believing that we can win it. But I don’t think that’s the case this year.” She said.
With the smell of optimism in the air after playing two good games against Mt. Alison, the Tommies are looking to carry that momentum into the finals.
UNB does however hold many advantages going in to the game as it will be played on their home field and they’ve won four straight playoff games against the Tommies.
Morrison is preaching to her players the same message all year long. Consistency.
“We’ve been repeating consistent things through the season. So, we’re saying a lot of the same stuff today as we’ve been saying all season around basic technical skill, how we want to support each other, things around how we talk about the game so that we have common language.” She said.
For colligate sports, developing chemistry is a challenge with new players arriving every year. Third year player Kianna Laurin believes this isn’t an issue.
“We play really well together and I know in the backline, we pass really well and we’re always there for each other.” She said.
For now, the field is untouched and the bleachers are empty, but come this weekend, the place will be rocking and the next chapter of this storied rivalry continues.
