For the first time in its history, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women's rugby team will play under the lights Thursday night, hosting the 10th ranked Calgary Dinos at 7 p.m. at the Community Sports Stadium.
Thursday night also marks the 'HERD Fest' Pre-Game tailgate party beginning at 5:30 p.m. All HERD members will receive a voucher for a free slice of pizza and a beverage, and anyone and everyone is welcome to attend.The 'Horns, ranked third in the country, enter their final game of the Canada West conference schedule with a perfect 3-0 record and have outscored opponents 138-7, including a 52-7 drubbing of the Alberta Pandas Oct. 2, the 'Horns only other home game of the season.
Freshman Cassandra Orr and Sarah Gordon have led the way for the 'Horns offensively thus far. Orr leads the conference in scoring with five tries in her first three CIS games, while Gordon is tied for second in conference scoring with fellow Pronghorn Laura Murphy-Burke with 24 points. Gordon has scored two tries, while kicking two penalty goals and four converts. Murphy-Burke leads the conference with 8 converts made.
Reigning Canada West player of the year, Kelsey Willoughby, has been a leader for the 'Horns at both ends of the field. She is tied for second in tries scored with four and her defensive presence has led to two shutout wins.
The Dinos have been the surprise team in the conference this season. In only their second season of Canada West action, the Dinos won their first game ever earlier this month in Vancouver, beating the UBC Thunderbirds, 34-10. Two days later, the Dinos earned a sweep of the BC schools with a 31-15 victory over the Victoria Vikes.
University of Calgary hosts the Canada West championships, Oct. 21-23.