All-Star Stingers

Four Concordia Women’s Rugby Players Honoured by RSEQ

SportsRichie Daly — Published November 3, 2011

Sarah Nesbitt earned her second consecutive selection, while Claire Hortop was chosen for the fifth year in a row. Stingers head coach Graeme McGravie said they both played best as locks this year, and have been standouts at their position for the Stingers.

Centre Latoya Blackwood, selected for the first time, proved crucial to ConU this season. According to McGravie, her presence was a big reason the team was able to compete for a playoff spot, despite ultimately coming up short.

Hughanna Gaw was named to the All Star team for the third consecutive time and has proven exceptional all season long as the team’s leading tackler, while scoring eight tries in six games as well.

Gaw was also named a Canadian Interuniversity Sport All-Canadian. Her coaches and fellow players had nothing but praise for her work both on and off the field.

“She was the best player this year on and off the field for our team,” said McGravie. “She is a force and just second to none with the way she plays. She gives you everything she can.”

“She always makes the big hits that inspire people. She isn’t afraid of the gruntwork and is just so dependable,” added Stingers centre Jackie Tittley. “She is definitely one of the first players I would want on my team.”

The team will lose some of its key players to graduation this year, as three of the four All-Stars are fifth- and final-year players—including Tittley.

She and McGravie believe that this team has what it takes to compete next season, however; the core group of players will remain and the rookies will have gained valuable experience from this year’s season.