KINGSTON, Ont. - The SLC women's rugby team was able to overcome an uncharacteristic start by playing a strong second half, to win 31-17 over the visiting Algonquin College Thunder.

"We struggled and our nerves showed in the first half," said head coach, Kait Pasic. "We did a better job of protecting the ball and recognizing the gaps in front of us in the second half. Overall the support for each other out on the field was much better and was the difference for us."

Algonquin was given first possession and threatened early on, but SLC didn't panic under the pressure as the Vikings were able to get the ball held up on two occasions within the first few minutes of the game.

2015-16 SLC Female Athlete of the Year, Samantha Gourdier, would open the scoring after a long drive and great passing to get the ball to the outside. Algonquin would respond with a try of their own just before halftime, tying the game at five points each.

The flood gates opened up for the Vikings in the second half, with Hailey McLaren, Gourdier and Amanda Blair scoring tries for the Vikings, with Blair kicking three coverts to dominate the Thunder in the second half to the eventual 31-17 victory.

SLC will host an exhibition game against Paris Descartes University on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m., with their next regular season game coming on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Loyalist College. Game time is 1 p.m.

Source: St. Lawrence College