Valkyries Open Season with Victory in Regina
The Western Women's Canadian Football League returned to action on Sunday, with the five-time defending champion Saskatoon Valkyries traveling to Regina to face the Riot. The Valkyries emerged victorious with a 15-7 win, marking a strong start to their season.
Saskatoon's first score came in the opening quarter, their only major of the game. Quarterback Julia Smith connected with receiver Jada Duchene on a 13-yard touchdown pass. Kicker Kaylin O'Neill added the conversion to give the visitors a 7-0 lead.
The second quarter saw minimal scoring, with O'Neill recording a punt single to extend the lead to 8-0 at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Valkyries maintained a defensive shutout. O'Neill added another single on a missed field goal and later kicked a 25-yard field goal, putting Saskatoon ahead 12-0.
Early in the fourth quarter, Regina scored their only touchdown and conversion, cutting the lead to 12-7. However, O'Neill responded with a 26-yard field goal with five minutes remaining to seal the 15-7 victory.
The Valkyries now have a bye for the next two weeks. The Prairie Conference teams are off next week, and the Riot will travel to face the Manitoba Fearless on May 10. Saskatoon's next game is scheduled for May 17, when they host the Fearless at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.
Flin Flon Bombers Capture SJHL Championship
In other sports news, the Flin Flon Bombers won the Canterra Seeds Cup for the first time since 1993, sweeping the Yorkton Terriers in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League final.
After winning the first two games at home, the Bombers traveled to Yorkton for games three and four. On Wednesday, Flin Flon held a 4-1 lead after two periods. Yorkton scored early in the third to cut the deficit to 4-2, but the Bombers responded with two quick goals at 9:27 and 9:51. The Terriers added a shorthanded goal at 10:12, making the score 6-3, which held until the final whistle.
On Thursday night, the Bombers completed the sweep with a 2-0 shutout. Daniel Morozov scored both goals in the third period, and goaltender Charlie Tritt stopped all 25 shots he faced.
The Bombers now prepare for the Centennial Cup, scheduled for May 7-17 in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
