REDS Retain ACAA Rugby Title

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS completed an undefeated season on Sunday, toppling the Mount Allison Mounties 66-7 to claim the 2024-2025 Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association women's rugby title at UNB's College Field.

UNB's Ella Myers, a member of the 2024-2025 ACAA All-Conference team, was named Player of the Game. She scored two tries to power the REDS victory.

"We know we're playing for all 25 people on the team," said Myers. "I didn't want to win for just myself, I wanted to win for all … like 50 people that are on our team."

UNB scored first, but Mounties fullback Jenay Spence broke free to score after the restart kick. She made the convert as well, putting Mount A up 7-5.

The REDS would hold the Mounties scoreless for the reminder of the match.

A flurry of UNB tries came next, as Myers, Dannicha Clark and Mika Kenny extended the REDS' lead to 27-7.

By half, it was 32-7 for the REDS.

Myers said her team's strength came from its depth.

"This year, we had a huge bench, which helped a lot. Each time there was a sub that came on, you knew that they would make just as big of an impact as the person who came off."

Only moments into the second half, UNB's Keanna Ryan scored a try of her own. She also converted two kicks in the match, despite blustery conditions.

Also scoring in the second half for UNB were Rachel MacDonald and Cassie Innis.

Veteran REDS prop Madison Tingley, who was also named to the ACAA All-Conference team, scored the final try of the day, and Kate Grant converted the kick.

Lindsay Hood was given Player of the Game for Mount A.

The championship is the shiny bow on the season for REDS head coach Bailey Andrews, the 2024-2025 ACAA Coach of the Year.

"It's been a really fun ride with them," said Andrews. "They just improved every game, every practice, and took it into the next game."

UNB outscored its opponents by an average of over 40 points per game in the regular season, and this game was no different.

"It was apparent today that they went out and had fun," said Andrews.

RECAP BY: Peter Jewett/for UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Lauren Tidd/for UNB Athletics