Saskatchewan heads to the U18 Women’s National Championship Consolation Final after beating Ontario Black 48-12
Photo Creds: Paul Jordan Photography
July 25, 2024, Fredericton, NB – Saskatchewan rebounded from their opening game loss with a dominant 48-12 victory over Ontario Black in the consolation semifinal of the 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship at the BMO Centre in Fredericton, NB, on Thursday morning
After both teams suffered defeats in their opening matches, Saskatchewan found their rhythm, showcasing an impressive ground game that overwhelmed Ontario Black’s defense. The victory was powered by outstanding performances from quarterback Ella Schenher and running back Hannah Wilker.
Saskatchewan wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Schenher breaking free for an electrifying 83-yard touchdown run just five minutes into the game. Ontario Black quickly answered when Braylynn Hawthorne-Harper sprinted 48 yards for a touchdown, but a blocked conversion left them trailing 8-6.
The first quarter continued at a blistering pace. Schenher connected with Tyler Petelski for a 19-yard touchdown pass, extending Saskatchewan’s lead. Ontario Black’s Paige Ryce returned the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown, keeping the game close at 16-12. However, Schenher struck again with another long touchdown run, this time for 81 yards, to end the quarter with Saskatchewan leading 24-12.
Saskatchewan continued to pull away in the second quarter. Hannah Wilker scored on a 6-yard run, and Sienna Berns added to the lead with a 51-yard punt return touchdown, pushing the score to 40-12 at halftime.
The second half saw Saskatchewan’s defense step up, shutting out Ontario Black while adding one more touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 5-yard run by Wilker, resulting in the final score of 48-12.
Ella Schenher was the standout performer for Saskatchewan, rushing for 267 yards and two touchdowns on just 9 carries, while also passing for 24 yards and a touchdown. Hannah Wilker contributed 119 rushing yards and two touchdowns, along with 125 passing yards. Sienna Berns made her presence felt on special teams with 120 punt return yards and a touchdown.
For Ontario Black, Braylynn Hawthorne-Harper led the offense with 102 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Paige Ryce’s 80-yard kickoff return touchdown was a bright spot in a challenging game.
Saskatchewan dominated in total offense, accumulating 546 yards compared to Ontario Black’s 150 yards. Their ground game was particularly impressive, racking up 404 rushing yards.
Defensively, Sienna Berns led Saskatchewan with 7 solo tackles and 1 assist, while Stacey St-Amand continued her strong tournament performance for Ontario Black with 13 solo tackles, 1 assist, and an interception.
MVP’s of the Game
Ontario Black
Offensive
QB – Paige Ryce
Defensive
LB – Stacey St-Amand
Saskatchewan
Offensive
QB – Ella Schenher
Defensive
DB – Sienna Berns
Saskatchewan (1-1) advances to the consolation final, while Ontario Black (0-2) will play in the 7th place game.
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.
