The Pen High Lakers senior girls rugby team wanted to defend its AAA Okanagan Valley championship in Kamloops.
The only problem was, Lakers assistant coach Kylie Primatesta could see the NorKam Saints wanted it just as much.
Primatesta said the Lakers struggled with the Saints’ strength in rucks forcing many balls to be overturned. The Saints were able to find holes in the Lakers defence to score 20 first half points on their way to a 30-5 win.
“Our girls didn’t give up though. Although they were down four tries, they began to hit harder and run faster,” wrote Primatesta in an email.
Mikala Vujcich scored the Lakers’ lone try at the start of the second half. The Saints added two more.
“Our girls were disappointed but still came off the field with huge smiles and great spirit,” she said. “Although we lost, our season is not over yet. Due to a forfeit by Lillooet, we will be going straight to the B.C.s next week in the Tier 2 division. Our girls are very excited about the opportunity to go.”
The provincial championship is in Port Alberni beginning May 22.