Canada West women's rugby preview: Pronghorns seek 7th Heaven

Source: Canada West Communications

EDMONTON – The 2012 Canada West season begins with two games on Friday, followed by another on Sunday.

With the season about to start, here is a look at the five conference teams…

ALBERTA PANDAS
2011 conference record: 3-1 (2nd)
2011 playoffs: 1-1 (CW silver)
Last CW title: 2005
Last CIS title: 2003

CIS ranking: #8
CW Ranking: #2

Key additions: Sabrina Kelly, Jen Cousineau, Amee Svatos

Key returnees: Carmen Hobbs, Louise Chavarie, Chelsea Guthrie, Ali Fairbairn, Alanna Fittes, Miranda Monty

Key departures: Karlee Carbert, Jenn Davies, Fran Gabinsky, Marlene Nedved

EDMONTON – The University of Alberta Pandas have been knocking on the door of Canada West success for the past six seasons, but have not been able to return to the winning ways the program enjoyed during its formative years.

With a solid returning core of players, as well as some nice additions, Matt Parish’s Alberta rugby team should be in contention for their first Canada West trophy since their run of seven straight ended in 2005.

Carmen Hobbs (Hooker), Louise Chavarie (Lock), Ali Fairbairn (Fly Half), Chelsea Guthrie (Scrum Half), Alanna Fittes (Wing) and Miranda Monty (Forward) are among the key returning players for the Pandas. Hobbs, Chavarie, Guthrie and Fittes were named to the Canada West All-Star team last season, while both Guthrie and Fittes, who are also team captains, played for Canada at the 2012 World University Rugby Sevens championship.

Newcomers Sabrina Kelly, who has competed with Alberta’s CIS and Canada West championship wrestling teams in the past, as well as former field hockey player Jen Cousineau are two players who bring provincial team experience with them, while Amee Svatos is a transfer from Oregon State University who has also played for the USA U-20 team.

The Pandas are in the position to get back on top of the Canada West pile at home, as they host the conference championship tournament this year from October 19-21 at the Ellerslie Rugby Park.

http://www.pandas.ualberta.ca/

UBC THUNDERBIRDS
2011 conference record: 0-4
2011 playoffs: N/A
Last CW title: N/A
Last CIS title: N/A

CIS ranking: N/A
CW Ranking: #5

Key addition: Ciara Malone

Key returnees: Megan Hamm, Gabrielle Hindley, Paniz Pahlavanlu, Catherine Ohler

Key departure: Brittany Holness

VANCOUVER – Playing in arguably the toughest conference in the country is no easy task, but the UBC women’s rugby team is up for the challenge as they kick off the 2012 Canada West campaign this weekend with a pair of games.

With just four games in the regular season the Thunderbirds need to hit the ground running if they hope to earn themselves a spot in the Canada West playoffs. UBC is coming off a disappointing 0-4 year in 2011, but head coach Lesley McKenzie is optimistic for the new season with everybody a year older.

UBC will be led by 2010 Canada West Rookie of the Year and 2011 Canada West All-Star Megan Hamm. The 3rd year student is making the move from scrum half to fly half this season in order to run the attack better and to give her more time and space. She along with teammate Gabrielle Hindley and McKenzie, who was the head coach, represented Canada at the 2012 World University Games in women’s 7’s this past summer in France.

Rookie Ciara Malone is another player to keep your eye on. The 5’3 wing recently played for the U18 provincial team and is quick enough to step right in and contribute right away.

http://www.gothunderbirds.ca/

CALGARY DINOS
2011 conference record: 2-2 (3rd)
2011 playoffs: 1-1 (CW bronze)
Last CW title: N/A
Last CIS title: N/A

CIS ranking: #10
CW Ranking: #3

Key additions: Leah Conforti, Janai Haupapa, Natasha Loucks

Key returnees: Brynna Walker, Samantha Crandell, Ellen McGregor

Key departure: Jovita Byzitter

CALGARY – After taking major strides in 2011, the Calgary Dinos look to continue on the upswing.

The Dinos made history with their first-ever win in program history last year at UBC, and they qualified for the playoffs – which they hosted, also for the first time – with a 2-2 record in the regular season. At the conference tournament, after giving the Alberta Pandas a solid run in a 10-0 loss, the Dinos scored a last-minute try to defeat Victoria and earn the Canada West bronze medal at McMahon Stadium.

A year later, reigning conference coach of the year Simon Chi has most of his team returning, led by All-Canadian prop Samantha Crandell along with all-star centre Brynna Walker. In addition, Chi has added some depth, including rookie Natasha Loucks. Loucks scored one of Calgary’s tries in a 33-26 loss to No. 5-ranked Queen’s in non-conference action on Aug. 29.

Janai Haupapa is another of those newcomers who Chi expects to step into a key role and contribute depth to team's developing core of talent. Another key addition will be the return of Leah Conforti, who missed the last two seasons due to injury.

The Dinos open the season on the road with visits to UBC and Victoria Sept. 21 and 23, respectively. Calgary plays its two home games on Saturday, Sept. 29 against Lethbridge and on Friday, Oct. 12 against Alberta.

http://www.godinos.com/

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS
2011 conference record: 4-0-0 (1st)
2011 playoffs: 3-2 (CW 1st, CIS 4th)
Last CW title: 2011
Last CIS title: 2009

CIS ranking: #3
CW Ranking: #1

Key additions: Becca Gannon (centre), Katherine Karthaus (prop), Coreen Riley (hook), Julia Seymour (centre)

Key returnees: Brandi Van Euewen (prop), Alex Hendricks (scrum half), Laura Murphy-Burke(fly half), Kendra Reeves (centre), Sarah Gordon

Key departures: Kelsey Willoughby, Kayla Moleschi, Juhee Thompson,

LETHBRIDGE – Despite claiming their sixth consecutive Canada West title, the 2011 season did not end the way the Lethbridge Pronghorns envisioned. For the second consecutive year, the ‘Horns season finished in disappointment, losing their final game of the season and finishing off the podium at the CIS Championships.

Even though the ‘Horns return a veteran-laden squad that is in search of tying the Alberta Pandas for the all-time conference title mark of seven championships, there are some unexpected holes to fill. Two-time Canada West Player of the year Kelsey Willoughby and the reigning Canada West rookie of the year Kayla Moleschi did not return and are with the Canadian Sevens program. Forward, and Canada West all-star Juhee Thompson also decided to not to return for her third season.

The ‘Horns return 22 players and will be led by five fifth-year seniors, including four-time Canada West all-star prop Brandi Van Euewen and captain Kendra Reeves. A pair of sophomores are expected to build off exceptional rookie seasons and continue their explosive runs for the ‘Horns this year. Sarah Gordon and Cassandra Orr finished one-two in conference scoring, with Orr leading all players in tries with 6.

The ‘Horns will begin defence of their Canada West title September 21st at Victoria and UBC

http://www.uleth.ca/horns/

VICTORIA VIKES
2011 conference record: 1-3 (4th)
2011 playoffs: 0-2
Last CW title: N/A
Last CIS title: N/A

CIS ranking: N/A
CW Ranking: #4

Key additions: Kara Galbraith, Lizzie Adams, Morgan King, Shannon Fitzpatrick, Dacey Livingstone, Laura Crowe-Hutchon

Key returnees: Abby Goodwin, Melissa Robinson, Courtney Goulet, Chelsey Minter

Key departures: Sarah Logan, Jessica Moretto, Roxanne Neville, Andrina Nixon, Jesse Olynyk, Randi Hunter

VICTORIA – As UVic Vikes head coach, Marek Hall brings 35 years of coaching experience and will be a veritable asset to the program. He has experience at club, provincial, and national levels and will be using this knowledge to guide the UVic women through both the Canada West and the Vancouver Island Rugby Union season.

Among key returnees is fourth-year lock Abby Goodwin. As the lone Vike with Canada West All-Star honours last season, Goodwin also gained Under-20 National team experience. Fourth- and fifth-year captains Courtney Goulet and Melissa Robinson will be counted on to provide some solid leadership, while prop Chelsey Minter has also returned to play her fifth year.

Several freshmen to watch include Kara Galbraith, Lizzie Adams, Morgan King and Shannon Fitzpatrick. The four first-year Vikes were key members of their provincial teams this past summer as they competed in the national U-18 tournament. Additionally, rookie Dacey Livingstone will provide some excitement on the wing with her speed and deception, while first-year forward Laura Crowe-Hutchon will be a handful for opposing outside halves.

The Vikes will open their Canada West season at home on Wallace Field on Sept. 21 vs. the Lethbridge Pronghorns and Sept. 23, against the Calgary Dinos.

http://www.govikesgo.com/

About Canada West Universities Athletic Association
Canada West is consistently the most decorated of the four conferences in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), winning at least 10 CIS national titles every year, 1997 to 2010. Comprised of 16 schools from the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, Canada West produces numerous major award winners and Academic All-Canadian student-athletes each year, with many going on to athletic success around the globe in pro leagues or events such as the Olympics, Paralympics or Universiade Games. "cwuaa" on Twitter.

A proud member of Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS).