UBC edges UVic 15–13 in a heart-stopping women’s rugby final, with Adia Pye’s last-second try sealing the national title in a dramatic finish.
UBC Steals the Show with a Last-Second Triumph
It was pure heartbreak for the UVic Vikes and pure joy for the UBC Thunderbirds. In a national championship showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, UBC snatched victory in the dying moments, defeating UVic 15–13 on November 2 to claim the U Sports women’s rugby title.
The match, hosted by UBC, was the fourth—and most dramatic—meeting between the fierce rivals this season. The Vikes had beaten the Thunderbirds three times earlier in the year, including a razor-thin 18–17 victory in the Canada West final. But this time, fate favored the hosts.
Adia Pye’s Magic Moment Seals the Win
With the clock ticking down and the tension soaring, UBC’s Adia Pye—a proud Claremont Secondary graduate—found a gap and charged across the line for the game-winning try. The stadium erupted as the Thunderbirds completed their revenge arc in stunning fashion.
“I want to start off by saying UVic are an absolutely outstanding team,” said UBC head coach Dean Murten after the emotional finish. “They’ve got some world-class players and are extremely well-coached. We knew it would come down to the wire—but not literally the last play!”
UVic’s Incredible Season Ends in Agony
For the Vikes, the loss marked their second consecutive runner-up finish at nationals. Still, their season was nothing short of stellar. They entered the tournament as the country’s top-ranked team and dominated their early matches, crushing the University of Ottawa 41–8 and blanking the University of Guelph 42–0 in the semifinals.
Individual brilliance also shone through. Olympic silver medalist Carissa Norsten earned the U Sports Player of the Year award, while head coach Brittany Waters was named Coach of the Year.
“She’s the kind of athlete every coach dreams of,” Waters said of Norsten. “She’s first to training, last to leave, and inspires everyone around her. This recognition is so well-deserved.”
Alongside Norsten, teammates Olivia Newsome, Justine Blatt-Janmaat, Emily Findlay, and Sierra Gillis were named to the tournament all-star roster—proof of the team’s depth and dominance.
A Rivalry for the Ages
Although UVic fell just short, this season’s series between the Vikes and Thunderbirds has already become the stuff of legend. Every game was decided by narrow margins, and every meeting showcased grit, heart, and championship-caliber rugby.
As the dust settles, one thing is certain: this rivalry is far from over—and the next time these two powerhouses meet, sparks will fly once again.
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