Women's Rugby | 9/6/2025 7:58:00 PM

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon at Nixon Field, where the York University Lions women's rugby team took on the Queen's Gaels in their second match of the 2025 season. The Lions entered the contest looking to bounce back from a loss to Laurier in their opener, while the Gaels came in looking for a two-game win streak after their victory last Friday. Queen's, the 2024 OUA silver medallists and national bronze medallists, proved to be a formidable challenge. 

This marked the first meeting between the two sides since 2022, when the Gaels defeated York in the season opener at Alumni Field. The Lions were eager to change the script this time around and notch their first win of the season, but Queen's quickly took control. 

The Gaels stormed out to a 33–0 lead within the opening minutes, with York briefly breaking through for a score by their number 10. The last meeting between these teams ended 105–0 in favour of Queen's, and the Gaels once again showed their dominance early, stretching their advantage to 49–0 by the 20th minute. 

Lizzie Gibson kept the Gaels' offence rolling with a strong kick at the 21-minute mark, making it 56–0. York responded with aggressive play after a scrum at the 25-minute mark, but Queen's regained possession behind Maddie Thompson and continued the scoring surge. The Gaels led 84–0 at halftime. 

York's best chance came in the 75th minute when their number 15 broke free on an interception, but Queen's shut the door before the Lions could cross the try line. Queen's' Gibson capped off the dominant performance with the final kick at full time as the hosts took this one 160-0. 

LOOKING AHEAD: 

The Lions will aim to regroup quickly as they return home to Alumni Field for their next match. York will face the Waterloo Warriors on Saturday, September 13, with kickoff set for 4:00 pm. Admission is free.