Valkyries Secure Spot in Title Game
The Saskatoon Valkyries are heading back to the Western Women's Canadian Football League championship after a 17-7 victory over the Manitoba Fearless on Saturday. The win secures their chance to compete for an 11th league title.
Game Highlights
The game remained scoreless until 3:52 into the second quarter, when Saskatoon's Kaylin O'Neill kicked a 25-yard field goal. Before halftime, O'Neill added two more field goals from 21 and 25 yards, plus a single point on a missed 24-yard field goal attempt.
Saskatoon's only touchdown came midway through the fourth quarter when defensive lineman Grace Farthing recovered a bad punt snap by Manitoba and carried the ball six yards into the end zone. O'Neill added the convert to give the Valkyries a 17-0 lead.
Manitoba responded with the game's only offensive touchdown, a 15-yard pass from Tianna Hutter to Taylor Agostino. Alley Herring added the extra point to set the final score.
Key Performances
Drew Lundquist led the Valkyries' ground game with 16 carries for 88 yards. Cassidy Turski rushed for 56 yards on 14 carries for the Fearless.
Valkyries quarterback Julia Smith completed 20 of 36 passes for 156 yards and one interception. Ricki Obed was her top target, catching nine passes for 61 yards.
For Manitoba, Hutter went 7-for-23 passing with two interceptions and one touchdown. Agostino led receivers with four catches for 61 yards and a touchdown.
The Valkyries outgained the Fearless 271 total yards to 118.
Championship Rematch
The Valkyries will host the Edmonton Arctic Pride on Saturday in a rematch of last year's championship game. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.
Mamba Win Streak
The Saskatoon Mamba extended their winning streak to four games with victories over the Niagara River Lions and two wins against the Ottawa BlackJacks in Canadian Elite Basketball League action.
On Sunday, the Mamba defeated Ottawa 101-98. After trailing 48-38 at halftime, Saskatoon cut the deficit to three by the end of the third quarter. The teams traded leads in the fourth, but Ottawa pulled ahead 92-85 when the target score was set. The Mamba then held Ottawa to eight points while scoring 16, including three three-pointers. Captain Tavian Dunn-Martin hit the game-winning three-pointer.
Saskatoon's Tevian Jones led all scorers with 36 points.
