Manitoba secures a 20-8 come from behind win against rival Saskatchewan in their opening game at the 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship
Photo Creds: Paul Jordan Photography
July 22, 2024, Fredericton, NB – In Game 2 of the 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship, Manitoba secured a hard-fought come-from-behind 20-8 victory over Saskatchewan at the BMO Centre in Fredericton, NB, on Monday afternoon.
Saskatchewan came out strong in the first quarter, dominating possession and field position. Their efforts paid off at 2:58 when quarterback Ella Schenher capped off a 7-play, 60-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown run. Sienna Berns’ successful conversion put Saskatchewan up 8-0. Saskatchewan’s defense held firm, preventing Manitoba from gaining any traction in the opening frame.
The second quarter saw a more evenly matched contest, with both teams trading possessions and struggling to find the end zone. As the half was winding down, Manitoba finally broke through with an explosive play. With just 57 seconds left, Norah Vaillant electrified the crowd with a spectacular 31-yard touchdown run. However, Daniella Bennici’s conversion attempt was blocked, leaving Manitoba trailing 8-6 at halftime.
Manitoba came out of the locker room with renewed energy in the third quarter, dominating time of possession with 9:42 compared to Saskatchewan’s 2:18. Their persistence paid off at 4:29 when Eden Gates finished an impressive 8-play, 56-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge. Despite a failed two-point conversion attempt, Manitoba took their first lead of the game, 12-8.
The fourth quarter saw Manitoba’s defense step up, forcing Saskatchewan into difficult field positions. The Manitoba offense capitalized on this advantage, with Elayna Blahey scoring on a 1-yard run at 2:44 to cap off a short 4-play, 28-yard drive set up by Isabel Campbell’s interception. Kiera Bowley’s successful conversion brought the score to 20-8. Saskatchewan fought hard in the closing minutes but couldn’t overcome Manitoba’s lead, resulting in the final score of 20-8.
Eden Gates was the standout performer for Manitoba, rushing for 154 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Faith Scott contributed 84 rushing yards, while Norah Vaillant added 65 rushing yards and a touchdown.
For Saskatchewan, Ella Schenher put in a valiant effort, passing for 101 yards and rushing for 168 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
Manitoba’s ground game proved to be the difference, as they accumulated 321 rushing yards compared to Saskatchewan’s 174. Manitoba also controlled the time of possession, holding the ball for 28:40 compared to Saskatchewan’s 19:20.
Defensively, Sienna Berns led Saskatchewan with 12 solo tackles and 1 assist, while Isabel Campbell stood out for Manitoba with 6 solo tackles, 3 assists, and an interception. Eden Gates was named the offensive MVP for Manitoba, while Isabel Campbell earned defensive MVP honors. For Saskatchewan, Ella Schenher and Sienna Burns were named offensive and defensive MVPs, respectively. This victory advances Manitoba (1-0) to the next round of the tournament, while Saskatchewan (0-1) will move to the consolation bracket.
MVP’s of the Game
Manitoba
Offensive
RB – Eden Gates
Defensive
DB – Isabel Campbell
Saskatchewan
Offensive
QB – Ella Schenher
Defensive
DB – Sienna Berns
Full detailed stats and game play-by-play information can be found here.
About U18 Women’s National Championship: The U18 Women’s National Championship is a premier event in the Canadian football calendar, showcasing the best young female talent from across the country. This tournament serves as a crucial platform for player development and provides a pathway for athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels, including national team programs.
About Football Canada: Football Canada is the national governing body for amateur football in Canada. Football Canada’s mission is to initiate, sustain, and encourage programs, services, and activities targeted at all levels of the game of football in Canada. The organization oversees various programs and competitions, including national championships, coach and official certification programs, and national team programs for tackle, flag, and touch football. Football Canada is committed to fostering the growth and development of football at all levels across the country.
About Football New Brunswick: Football New Brunswick is the provincial sport governing body for amateur football in New Brunswick. The organization is dedicated to promoting, developing, and governing all aspects of football within the province. Football New Brunswick works tirelessly to provide opportunities for athletes, coaches, and officials at all levels of the sport. Through various programs and initiatives, they aim to increase participation, improve the quality of play, and create a positive and inclusive football community throughout New Brunswick. As hosts of this year’s U18 Women’s National Championship, Football New Brunswick demonstrates its commitment to advancing women’s football and showcasing the province’s sporting capabilities on a national stage.
For more information about the 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship, visit footballcanada.com or contact bstachel@footballcanada.com
