The 2023 version of the Laurier Golden Hawks women's rugby program kicked off this past weekend with a road game down at the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. 

The last time these two teams faced off, the Blues came away with a resounding victory over the Hawks. However, the Hawks were coming in with a new look among student-athletes and staff while looking forward to changing that result.

Laurier started an outstanding six rookies in their season-opening lineup and, through camp, such a great intermix of returning and new Golden Hawks jelled together.

Kickoff started with a free airshow courtesy of the CNE - which made it difficult for communications. However, cue the national anthem and the Golden Hawks were ready to show off what this year's roster could do.

Laurier had a great start to the game - with tackles coming fast and furious courtesy of the new look back row of Eden Lohr, Sydney Gielen and Taylor Bulgin. A physical presence was brought to the game from the front - with Janeen Burke, Morgan Longley and Sadie Moorehouse looking to hit hard and often. 

Toronto drew first blood when Laurier got a little sloppy on the fold and the Varsity Blues ran through the A gap to score. 

The Golden Hawks continued their attack though, leading through a very strong set-piece platform in the scrum that earned a clean ball and a penalty or two through dominance. 

Heidi Bagshaw, one of the newest Golden Hawks, was running the show - dishing out ball often to our backs. 

A few more attacking lines and Toronto's defence could be tested more. As it was, a continued run of forward ball allowed Morgan Longley to drive over for the score, courtesy of a maul. Taylor Bulgin decided she didn't need a kicking tee - and instead slotted a drop goal from 30 meters out. The Golden Hawks were back in it.

Back and forth the game went with Toronto working their offence while providing a stiff test of defence for the purple and gold. Laurier responded time and time again until, finally, Toronto broke them around the edge after some penalties by the Hawks, eventually building up a 19-7 lead before the Hawks said "That's enough". 

The backs generated some go-forward ball courtesy of Sophie McLean and Liv Davis while Kristen Dajka shut the door on Toronto time and time again with her defense. This was eventually rewarded with another round of punishing runs, and Taylor Bulgin dotting down for Laurier's second score of the game and closing the gap to 19-14.

There the score remained, going back and forth between the two teams until, with no time on the clock, Toronto earned a final penalty and quick-tapped for the final score of the day, ending the scoreboard turning over at 24-14.

The message was sent though - Laurier is here to play this year. 

Player of the Match as voted by Toronto was Taylor Bulgin (nine points) while rookie Sophie McLean won Back of the Match and third-year student-athlete Jaylyn Kirwan won Forward of the Match.

The Golden Hawks will now turn their focus to a home opener match-up against the Trent Excalibur. Kickoff at University Stadium is set for 3:30 pm and admission is free!