Recap: Day 2 of the 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship
July 26, 2024 – Fredericton, NB – The second day of the 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship at the BMO Centre in Fredericton, New Brunswick, delivered intense competition and thrilling matchups, setting the stage for the tournament’s final rounds.
In the day’s opening game, Saskatchewan rebounded from their earlier loss with a dominant 48-12 victory over Ontario Black in the consolation semifinal. Quarterback Ella Schenher led Saskatchewan’s offensive charge with 267 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 9 carries, while also passing for a touchdown. Hannah Wilker contributed 119 rushing yards and two touchdowns, showcasing Saskatchewan’s powerful ground game that accumulated 404 rushing yards.
The first semifinal saw Ontario Red secure their spot in the gold medal game with a commanding 33-6 win over Quebec. Ontario Red’s balanced attack and opportunistic defense proved too much for Quebec, with quarterback Isabelle Berube connecting with Tegan Roy for a 67-yard touchdown pass just 26 seconds into the game. Katie Foley demonstrated her versatility with both a rushing and receiving touchdown.
In the second semifinal, defending champions Alberta earned their return to the gold medal match with a hard-fought 30-12 victory over Manitoba. Alberta’s big-play ability proved decisive, with Rehema Holaki (132 rushing yards, 1 TD) and Sarah Fagnan (126 rushing yards, 1 TD) leading the ground attack. A 60-yard touchdown pass from Fagnan to Sidanee Bowers in the fourth quarter sealed the win for Alberta.
The day concluded with a thrilling comeback victory for the National Indigenous team, who defeated host New Brunswick 22-20. After trailing 14-0 at halftime, the National Indigenous team rallied in the second half. Taj-Marie Thompson was the standout performer, scoring on a 26-yard punt return and catching a crucial 12-yard touchdown pass from Aurora McCutcheon to secure the win.
The tournament’s final round is now set, with Ontario Red facing Alberta in the gold medal match. Manitoba and Quebec will compete for bronze, while the National Indigenous team and Saskatchewan advance to the 5th place game. Ontario Black and New Brunswick will play for 7th place.
The 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship continues to showcase the bright future of women’s football in Canada, providing a vital platform for player development and a pathway to higher levels of competition.
The championship concludes on July 28th with the following schedule:
July 28th, 2024
10:00 am – Game 9 – 7th Place Playoff: New Brunswick vs Ontario Black
1:00 pm – Game 10 – 5th Place Playoff: Saskatchewan vs National Indigenous
4:00 pm – Game 11 – Bronze Medal Game: Quebec vs Manitoba
7:00 pm – Game 12 – Gold Medal Game: Alberta vs Ontario Red
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.
