BELLEVILLE, ON - The Durham College women's rugby team have capped off back-to-back undefeated championship winning seasons.

Durham had a bye through the first round of the 2023 OCAA Women's Rugby Sevens Championship at Loyalist College and awaited an opponent in the semifinal. After the hosts knocked off the Humber Hawks, it set up a Durham vs. Loyalist date in the morning.

Danika Johnston (Courtice, ON) opened the scoring for the Lords in a match that would see them score six tries en route to a 32-0 victory to secure a spot in the gold medal match.

Following the semifinal - Emily Cooper (Guelph, ON), Shay Morris (Ajax, ON) and Maya Austin (Ajax, ON) were recognized with their league all-star awards that were announced on Thursday.

Durham and the St. Lawrence Surge were set to face off in a women's rugby championship match for the first time. The Lords had their sights set on defending their championship, with the Surge having secured their first medal in program history with a semifinal win.

St. Lawrence surged ahead early, scoring the first try of the game. The Lords had a quick response, with Ciara London (Oshawa, ON) scoring the first try of the match for Durham.

Durham were able to tack on four more tries while only conceding one more, winning the gold medal match 29-12.

London earned championship MVP honours while Johnston and Cooper were named tournament all-stars from the Lords.

The Lords have secured their second consecutive gold medal and their fourth consecutive medal overall. Durham has been on the podium four times in five seasons since organizing a women's rugby team in the OCAA.

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