EDMONTON – The No. 8-ranked Calgary Dinos held on to win 19-12, in a back and forth battle Sunday afternoon at Foote Field.
 
With the win, the Dinos improve to 4-1, while the Pandas remained winless at 0-5.
 
Dinos Kesselle Menin, Angie Olukunmi, and Alyson MacDougall all had tries for their side, while Patricia Lively added two successful converts. Forwards Courtney Holtkamp and Shelby Pierce each had a try for the Pandas, while Bella Adatia added one convert.
 
"It was almost a duplicate of our last match against Alberta. A very scrappy affair. For a while, our girls couldn't get out of first gear, but you also have to give credit to the Pandas for the way they played," said Dinos head coach Simon Chi. "We have to learn a bit, and be more clinical in our execution. Thankfully our veterans stepped up when we needed them."
 
The first half saw each side getting their turn with possession, until the 19th minute when Menin opened the scoring. The fifth-year Dino was able to make some ground after stealing a Pandas lineout on the 22-yard line before being tackled within five meters of the try line. After a few Dino's Pick-n-go's, Menin finished off her effort with a diving try.
 
Olukunmi extended the Dino's lead in the 57th minute when the Pandas failed to successfully clear their zone. The fullback was able to receive the clearance kick and score a quick try around the Pandas backline.
 
In the 60th minute, with the Pandas looking to mount a second half comeback, Holtkamp broke some tackles in the middle of the field and finished off her strong run with the Pandas first try of the game and cutting the Dino's lead in half, 14-7.
 
The Dinos responded quickly to the Pandas try in the 64th minute. MacDougall and the Dinos forwards took advantage deep in the Pandas zone, driving the Pandas scrum back over their own try line.
 
The Pandas were able to string together a handful of passes, resulting in Pierce touching down to bring the score to 19-12 in the 71st minute.
 
However, the clock was working against the Pandas, who held most of the possession in the final minutes, but where unable to convert.
 
The Pandas will finish their conference season next weekend when they visit the Lethbridge Pronghorns on Oct. 5. Meanwhile, the Dinos will enjoy a bye week before hosting the Pronghorns on Oct. 11.

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