Panthers show fight in 28-14 loss to Acadia

By Thomas Becker

It wasn't victory, but it was validation.

The UPEI Panthers went toe-to-toe with the defending champion Acadia Axewomen in their home opener Saturday afternoon, matching their physicality and forcing a defensive battle before falling 28-14 in a game that felt like a step forward for the team.

"We didn't have to say anything technical or tactical afterward. I was just proud of the effort everyone put in," said rookie head coach Curtis Lauzon. 

But on a day that ended with a lot of promise, it was Acadia that landed the first blow. Just five minutes in, Brielynn Murrant powered through the middle for the opening try, and Sarah Gunn added the conversion—her first of four on the afternoon—for a 7-0 lead.

The Panthers nearly hit back in the 12th minute, driving deep inside the five-metre line, but the Axewomen's defence held firm before clearing the danger. Moments later, Acadia doubled their advantage. Off a perfectly executed lineout, the ball swung wide to Juliette Matsukubo on the far wing where she sprinted 30 yards untouched for the try.

UPEI refused to fold. In the 20th minute, after sustained pressure inside Acadia's 22, Jorja Cook slipped an offload to Rowan Gallagher, who cut wide and powered over for the Panthers' first score. Lauren Misener calmly added the conversion, trimming the gap to 14-7. 

"Her athleticism and ability to change direction on a dime is second to none," Lauzon said of Gallagher. "She really knows how to use her gifts in rugby." 

But Acadia had an answer. Four minutes later, Murrant barreled in for her second try, this time dragging multiple defenders with her. Gunn's conversion restored the cushion at 21–7, where it stayed until halftime. 

The second half belonged to UPEI's defence. With sharper structure and relentless pressure, the Panthers frustrated Acadia's attack and shifted the momentum. 

"In open play, it didn't feel like they had a lot going on because of the pressure we were putting on. They couldn't do anything because of it," Lauzon said.

Their defensive stand led to another breakthrough. In the 55th minute, a scrum near midfield gave UPEI the platform they needed. Gallagher combined with Isabella MacKinnon, who tore down the left sideline before slipping the ball back to Gallagher who finished what she started, touching down for her second try of the day. Misener slotted the conversion, trimming the deficit to 21–14 and energizing the home crowd. 

For much of the second half, the teams battled evenly, with UPEI's defence holding firm and their attack pressing for a tying score. But in stoppage time, Acadia's Jenna Gallant slipped through for a late try, sealing a 28-14 victory.

Even in defeat, the Panthers' improvement was clear.

"We tidied up a couple of key places in the second half, and that's huge for us going forward," Lauzon said. "This is a step in the right direction."

Next weekend, UPEI turns its focus to the Saint Mary's Huskies. Lauzon views the matchup as another opportunity to showcase progress.

"It'll be a good chance to implement some of the challenging offensive structures we want to bring in," he said. "We're definitely not taking them lightly."

Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek