The Semiahmoo Totems have another rugby title to add to their collection, after an impressive run through Fraser Valley Championships last week.
The school’s senior girls squad placed first at the regional tournament, defeating Abbotsford’s Yale Lions 20-10 in the title game, which was played in Abby Thursday afternoon.
The win gave Semi its first Valley title since 2011. Semiahmoo now advances to provincials, which are to be held in Kamloops May 25-28.
In addition to adding another blue banner to the school’s gym wall, the game provided a measure of revenge for the Totems, who just two weeks prior, had lost to Yale 45-17 in the final game of the regular season. Semiahmoo also lost to Yale in last year’s Valley championship game.
“The girls were ecstatic yesterday,” said Semiahmoo coach Dave Kaye.
“Getting that win was pretty rewarding for the girls… and I’m extremely proud of them.”
The Totems were led offensively by Kate Richards, who had a pair of tries, while Danica Foster also had one try, and Hera Sfikas had a penalty kick and a convert.
As Valley champs, Semiamhoo will slot into the AAA Tier 1 provincial tournament, alongside seven other teams, including Earl Marriott, which snagged the third Fraser Valley berth after a win over Mission.
Kaye expects his side to be seeded second or third at B.C. championships, and he insists the field is wide open and without an odds-on favourite to win it all.
“Last year, it was very much G.P. Vanier’s show, and they ended up winning the banner, but this year, it’s very even. I think between us, Carson Graham, Earl Marriott and Yale, it could be anyone,” he said. “But you play that first game, then every game after that is just tougher and tougher. It’s just about who can get through the games healthy, and who ends up with good matchups.”