Reigning champions Alberta remain the team to beat after besting Québec 31-12 in their opening game of the 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship
Photo Creds: Paul Jordan Photography
July 22, 2024, Fredericton, NB – In a rematch of last year’s final, defending champions Alberta continued their dominance with a convincing 32-12 victory over Québec in the opening round of the 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship at the BMO Centre in Fredericton, NB, on Monday afternoon.
The game, a highly anticipated rematch between the 2023 finalists, showcased Alberta’s quest for their third consecutive championship title and Quebec’s determination to upset the reigning champions.
Alberta set the tone early in the first quarter when quarterback Alivia Trudeau capped off a 5-play, 42-yard drive with a 9-yard touchdown run at 4:26. Trudeau’s successful conversion put Alberta up 8-0.
The second quarter saw a flurry of scoring from both sides. Alberta extended their lead with a safety at 00:59, but Quebec responded quickly. Effee Petrone scored on a 10-yard run at 3:29, narrowing the gap to 10-6. Alberta answered with Sidanee Bowers’ 3-yard touchdown run at 10:36, but Quebec’s Petrone struck again with a 6-yard touchdown run as time expired in the half, leaving the score at 18-12 in Alberta’s favor.
Alberta took control in the second half, with Sarah Fagnan breaking free for a spectacular 50-yard touchdown run at 7:40 in the third quarter. The final blow came in the fourth quarter when Rehema Holaki punched in a 4-yard touchdown run at 0:36, sealing Alberta’s 32-12 victory and putting the other teams on notice that they are still the team to beat in this tournament.
Rehema Holaki was the standout performer for Alberta, rushing for 122 yards and a touchdown on 9 carries. Sarah Fagnan contributed 116 rushing yards and a touchdown, while also completing 4 of 12 passes for 37 yards. For Quebec, Effee Petrone put in a valiant effort, rushing for 173 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, while also completing 5 of 12 passes for 20 yards.
Alberta’s ground game proved to be the difference, as they accumulated 308 rushing yards compared to Quebec’s 210. Alberta also controlled the time of possession, holding the ball for 26:37 compared to Quebec’s 21:23. Defensively, Annie Debray led Quebec with 13 solo tackles, 6 assists, and an interception, while Ruby Lastikwa stood out for Alberta with 7 solo tackles.
MVP’s of the Game
Québec
Offensive
QB – Effée Petrone
Defensive
DB – Norah Rondeau
Alberta
Offensive
RB – Rehema Holaki
Defensive
DB – Lacey Muth
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.
