Recap: Day 1 of the 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship
Fredericton, NB – July 22, 2024 – The 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship kicked off with an exhilarating opening day at the BMO Centre in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The tournament, featuring rising stars from across Canada.
In the first game, the National Indigenous team made history by securing their first-ever victory in the championship with a thrilling 32-21 win over Ontario Black. The National Indigenous team’s explosive offense, led by quarterback Sienna Deschambault and wide receiver Taj-Marie Thompson, proved to be the deciding factor. Thompson had an incredible performance, catching nine passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns, while Deschambault completed 12 of 16 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns. The National Indigenous team’s defense also stepped up, limiting Ontario Black to just 175 total offensive yards.
The second game featured a hard-fought battle between Manitoba and Saskatchewan, with Manitoba staging an impressive come-from-behind 20-8 victory. After trailing 8-6 at halftime, Manitoba’s offense found its rhythm in the second half, led by the strong running of Eden Gates, who rushed for 154 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Manitoba’s defense also played a crucial role, forcing Saskatchewan into difficult field positions and capitalizing on an interception by Isabel Campbell to set up a short touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.
In a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s final, defending champions Alberta continued their dominance with a convincing 32-12 victory over Québec. Alberta’s ground game, spearheaded by Rehema Holaki’s 122 rushing yards and a touchdown on 9 carries, proved to be the difference. The Alberta defense also stood tall, with Ruby Lastikwa leading the way with 7 solo tackles. Despite a valiant effort from Québec’s Effee Petrone, who rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns, Alberta’s balanced attack and stout defense secured the win.
The final game of the opening day saw Ontario Red make a resounding statement, shutting out host team New Brunswick 53-0. Ontario Red’s offense fired on all cylinders, with quarterback Isabelle Berube completing 4 of 6 passes for 122 yards and 3 touchdowns, connecting twice with Tegan Roy for long touchdown passes. The Ontario Red defense was equally impressive, limiting New Brunswick to just 22 total offensive yards and forcing multiple turnovers.
The tournament continues on July 25th with another exciting slate of games:
July 25th, 2024
- 9:00 am – Game 5: Saskatchewan vs Ontario Black
- 12:00 pm – Game 6: Quebec vs Ontario Red
- 3:00 pm – Game 7: Alberta vs Manitoba
- 6:00 pm – Game 8: New Brunswick vs National Indigenous
The opening day of the 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship provided a glimpse into the bright future of women’s football in Canada. The tournament serves as a vital platform for player development, allowing young athletes to showcase their skills and aspire to compete at higher levels, including national team programs.
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
