Girolami sisters power Valkyries to WWCFL championship

Saskatoon wins fourth straight league crown, ninth overall

The Valkyries raise the WWCFL championship trophy for a ninth time.

REGINA, Sask. - If the Reklaws were in town, they would be singing “Long Live The Night” for the Saskatoon Valkyries and the Girolami sisters.

On  CFL home opening Sunday in Regina, most in the Saskatchewan capital were whooping up a 36-20 victory by the Roughriders over the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Mosaic Stadium.

Out on the southeast corner of town, the Valkyries were putting up highlights at Leibel Field that would first perfectly for a music video of the hit tune by the Canadian country duo that has become a theme song for Canada’s storied professional football Loop. Taking on their provincial rivals in the host Regina Riot in the WWCFL Championship Game, the Valkyries stormed out to a 26-0 lead at halftime and would prevail 36-21.

The Valkyries celebrate their WWCFL title win.

Sisters Haley and Danielle Girolami combined for three touchdowns in the Valkyries’ first half surge that pretty much sunk the Riot. Haley caught two touchdown passes, with one starting the scoring in the first half and the second concluding the scoring in the first half.

In between Haley’s scores, Danielle, who is standout defensive back, returned an interception for a touchdown for the Saskatoon side.

With Sunday’s win in the books, the Valkyries have now won the last four consecutive league titles. They finished the 2024 campaign with a 6-0 overall record, while the Riot finished out at 3-3 overall.

The Valkyries DBs poses with the WWCFL championship trophy.

“It feels so good,” said Haley. “I honestly don’t even know what to say.

“It feels so good to win four in a row. It feels super good.

“Our team is just amazing.”

“Obviously, I think this one was pretty special,” said Danielle. “When you can go four in a row, and I have my sister beside me and my cousin (Valkyries safety Jaimyn Mantyka) beside me, so it is kind of a whole family affair.

Haley Girolami (#17) secures her first of two TD catches on Sunday.

“I can’t complain. This one feels pretty good.”

Saskatoon has won nine WWCFL championships overall dating back to the circuit’s start in 2011.

The Valkyries also pushed their overall winning streak out to 33 games. Saskatoon’s last loss came way back on June 24, 2018 at Mosaic Stadium, when the host Riot claimed a 14-10 victory in that year’s WWCFL title game.

Before Sunday’s clash, the two clubs last met in the WWCFL title game on June 29, 2019 at Mosaic Stadium. The Valkyries took that encounter 25-3 in a campaign where they were playing to honour the memory of their late defensive position coach Justin Filteau, who passed away in a plane crash on June 1 of that same year.

Danielle Girolami returned an interception for a TD on Sunday.

Sunday’s contest started 35 minutes late due to lightning flashes in the area. When it came time to kick off after the delay, the clouds in the sky above Leibel Field cleared up leaving a strong wind blowing from south to north of the facility.

The Valkyries had the game’s first possession and put together a long drive against the wind that stalled on a third-and-one gamble at the Riot 18 yard line. The Riot countered with a short drive with the wind that stalled when the hosts failed to convert a third-and-three gamble giving the ball up on their own 49 yard line.

The visitors proceeded to drive the 49 yards down the field, and that series was capped with Valkyries star quarterback Alex Eyolfson hitting Haley Girolami with a 10-yard touchdown pass down the right sidelines for a 7-0 lead.

The Valkyries defence gang tackles Riot R Bethany O’Toole.

“We knew we had to come out early and come out strong,” said Haley. “Just to set the tone early, I think it just gives the team energy, and we took the momentum from there.”

Saskatoon took the 7-0 edge into the second quarter. At the 2:04 mark of the second quarter, Valkyries kicker Grace Moehler nailed a 29 field goal with the wind to push Saskatoon’s lead out to 10-0.

Just a little over three minutes later, Danielle Girolami made a huge play that gave the Valkyries command of the contest for the rest of the night. With the Riot pinned deep in their own end, Danielle intercepted Regina star quarterback Aimee Kowalski and ran the ball back 10 yards for a touchdown to give the Valkyries a 17-0 advantage.

Aimee Kowalski was named the game MVP for the Riot.

“They just ran an out, and I was lucky enough that when I went to kind of block it, it just popped up right into my hand,” said Danielle. “Thankfully, I was nice and close to the end zone, so I got to run it in.

“It was pretty exciting. It was my first pick six of the career, so I can’t complain.”

A short time later, the Riot were pinned again in their own end forcing the hosts to concede a safety, which increased the Valkyries lead to 19-0.

With 22 second remaining before halftime, the Valkyries added another dagger, when Eyolfson hit Haley Girolami with another 10-yard touchdown pass to give the visitors their 26-0 lead at halftime.

The Valkyries celebrate a second TD catch from Haley Girolami.

Valkyries head coach Pat Barry was pleased to see the Girolami sisters come through with three major scores.

“They’re great people,” said Barry. “They come from a great family.

“Haley and Danny, I’m big fans of theirs. I’m just so pleased that they are on our team. I hope they continue for many years.”

At the 5:04 mark of the third quarter, Moehler nailed a 23 yard field goal with the win to push the Valkyries advantage out to 29-0.

The Riot proceeded to get on the scoreboard with 3:37 remaining in the third quarter, when Kowalski hit receiver Jocelyn King-McGillivary with a seven yard touchdown pass to trim the Valkyries edge to 29-7.

Danielle Girolami makes a tackle for the Valkyries.

With the wind in the fourth quarter, any hopes the Riot had of making a miraculous comeback were dashed about seven minutes into the frame. The hosts muffed a punt return deep in their end of the field, which the Valkyries recovered on the Regina one yard line.

Running a wildcat formation, Valkyries star running back Sarah Wright took a direct snap and would hit star middle linebacker Emmarae Dale, who was lined up as a tight end, for a one-yard touchdown toss to put the Valkyries up 36-7 with 7:43 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Riot closed out the contest with Kowalski scoring a pair of one-yard touchdowns on quarterback sneaks to round out the 36-21 final score in favour of the Valkyries. On the first major with 2:28 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Riot failed to score a two-point conversion, when a Kowalski pass fell incomplete.

Alex Eyolfson threw two touchdown passes for the Valkyries.

On the second major with 20 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, the Riot scored a two-point conversion, when Kowalski connected on a pass to King-McGillivary.

After the Valkyries ran out the rest of the clock with a pair of kneel downs after recovering a Riot onside kick attempt, Barry was pumped his squad captured a fourth consecutive WWCFL title.

“It is so sweet,” said Barry. “I talked to the players before the game to go out and do something remarkable today, and I think they did.

“To win four championships in a row is incredibly rare. I’ve never been a part of anything like this before. I’m so happy and so proud of these players.”

The Valkyries celebrate a TD catch from Emmarae Dale.

The Valkyries earned a spot in the WWCFL final by routing the Manitoba Fearless 48-14 in a WWCFL semifinal at home last Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. One day earlier, the Riot claimed the other WWCFL semifinal blanking the host Calgary Rage 29-0 on the road at Cochrane High School in Cochrane, Alta.

In the Valkyries WWCFL title win over the Riot at Leibel Field, veteran defensive back Kelsey Murphy had an interception for Saskatoon.

Defensive back Kat Neigum had a pair of interceptions for the Riot, while defensive back Keilyn Howie had a single interception.

Haley Girolami (#17) was the Valkyries game MVP.

Haley Girolami was named the game MVP for the Valkyries. Kowalski took game MVP honours for the Riot.

The Valkyries also won four straight WWCFL titles in the circuit’s first four years of existence from 2011 to 2014. The Girolami sisters helped the Valkyries win all of their current run of four straight WWCFL championship victories with Haley joining the Valkyries in 2019 and Danielle becoming part of the team in 2018.

Both were overjoyed to help the Valkyries win four straight WWCFL crowns.

“It just feels so good,” said Haley. “It is more special, because it is a family.

“We are with our family, and it is the best team you could imagine in the world.”

The Valkyries soak in a fourth straight WWCFL championship.

“My very first year was the first year we lost,” said Danielle. “Obviously, it was not a great feeling, but to go and win and just continue that and to make it four in a row, I don’t really have any words to say how good it feels, and how excited I am for this team.

“I’m just pumped, speechless.”

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Last dance in 2024 for Valkyries versus Riot rivalry

Provincial foes go at it for WWCFL championship

Alex Eyolfson, right, calls a play in the huddle for the Valkyries.

Alex Eyolfson believes it is fitting the WWCFL season will end with a clash between her Saskatoon Valkyries and the Regina Riot.

Since the start of the WWCFL in 2011, the Valkyries and Riot have had the circuit’s biggest and most storied rivalry. The two sides go at it one last time in the 2024 campaign in the WWCFL Championship Game being held on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Leibel Field in Regina.

“They’re always our rivals,” said Eyolfson, who is the Valkyries star quarterback. “We expect this us and Regina.

“We just prepare hard, and we’ve prepared all season. We’re just excited, and we’re really excited for Sunday night to play them.”

The Valkyries enter the contest with a 5-0 overall record, while the Riot are 3-2 overall. Saskatoon took both regular season meetings between the two sides. On April 28, the Valkyries down the Riot 19-6 at Leibel Field, and Saskatoon rolled to a 41-7 victory at Saskatoon Minor Football Field on May 18.

The Valkyries will be trying to win a fourth consecutive WWCFL title and to keep their 32 game winning streak alive too when they face the Riot. Saskatoon’s last loss came way back on June 24, 2018 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, when the host Riot claimed a 14-10 victory in that year’s WWCFL title game.

The two clubs last met in the WWCFL title game on June 29, 2019 at Mosaic Stadium. The Valkyries took that encounter 25-3 in a campaign where they were playing to honour the memory of their late defensive position coach Justin Filteau, who passed away in a plane crash on June 1 of that same year.

“It has been a long time since we played a championship game in Regina,” said Valkyries head coach Pat Barry. “That (2019 WWCFL championship season) was an emotional year for us.

Aimee Kowalski (#12) passed for 1,093 yards in the regular season.

“It is exciting to be in this situation again. There are only a couple of teams in the country still playing, and they both happen to be from Saskatchewan. That is pretty exciting, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Eyolfson is one of a strong group of core players that was with the Valkyries in 2019. While they’ve experienced sizable turnover since that 2019 season, the signal caller said the veterans continue to keep Filteau’s memory alive and pass along memories to the team’s newcomers.

“We always play for Filteau,” said Eyolfson. “He is always in our hearts.

“This one, I think we just try and treat every final kind of the same. We’ve prepared all season so well. We’re just coming with lots of energy, and we’re just so excited.

“It is always a big deal.”

Last Sunday, the Valkyries routed the Manitoba Fearless 48-14 in a WWCFL semifinal at SMF Field. One day earlier, the Riot claimed the other WWCFL semifinal blanking the host Calgary Rage 29-0 at Cochrane High School in Cochrane, Alta.

Eyolfson believes her squad is climbing to a spot where everyone is peaking. She said the Valkyries were pleased with their semifinal win over the Fearless.

“I think we just want to build on that game, and we really came together as an offence,” said Eyolfson. “We had a couple of rocky games this season.

Reed Thorstad (#12) is a sure-handed pass catchers for the Valkyries.

“We’re just building on last game. We’re just practicing really hard, and we’re coming together. I think we are going to peak, hopefully, in the final. Our best is yet to come.”

Barry believes the Valkyries are in a good place on all fronts heading into the WWCFL championship game.

“We’re pretty healthy knock on wood,” said Barry. “We’ve got some experienced players.

“We’ve got some young players who are making big efforts for us, and it is really exciting to see.”

During the Valkyries four regular season games, Eyolfson completed 71-of-114 passes for 899 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. Wright has had a big season for the Valkyries carrying the ball 60 times for 326 yards.

Haley Girolami topped the Valkyries with 320 receiving yards coming off 19 catches. Reed Thorstad led the Saskatoon side with 24 catches that went for 291 yards.

Riot star quarterback Aimee Kowalski completed 104-of-184 passes for 1,093 yards and eight touchdowns, while throwing three interceptions in the regular season. 

Star receiver Shanelle Rioux had an outstanding campaign for the Riot hauling in 35 passes for 570 yards and six touchdowns.

The two squads were near even in total offensive yards in the regular season with the Valkyries posting 1,446 yards and the Riot collecting 1,442 yards. Defensively, the Valkyries gave up just 805 total yards in the regular season, while the Riot allowed 1,371 yards.

Riot R Shanelle Rioux (#16) battles Valkyries DB Jaimyn Mantyka.

Outside linebacker Sydney Schenn, who played a three game exhibition series for the Riot in 2021 before joining the Valkyries in 2022, is pumped her Saskatoon side gets to see the Riot once again.

“It is exciting, because it is a big rivalry,” said Schenn. “I came from there too, so it is really exciting.

“It is always a big week to play against them just to play against old teammates and really show what our preparation can do.”

Eyolfson said the Valkyries have a good mix of veterans and newcomers this season. The mix keeps the Valkyries driving forward.

“There is so much talent on our whole team,” said Eyolfson. “With offence, we have so many options to go to.

“If someone is not open, someone else will be. I have so much trust in our receivers and my o-line and Sarah (Wright) and Teagan (Craig) and all the running backs and Drew (Lundquist). I have trust in everyone, and it is just exciting to see all the talent we have.”

The signal caller said her squad has the right type of confidence too heading into the WWCFL title clash with the Riot.

“If we execute and we’ve prepped so hard this season this week just going in and doing what we do best it should be our game,” said Eyolfson. “You have to stay grounded too.

OLB Sydney Schenn has become a Valkyries standout on defence.

“I think it should be a good game. It will be exciting.”

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Feel good football Saturday for folks in Saskatoon

Roughriders, Valkyries provide sweet moments at SMF Field

Roughriders players meet their fans at SMF Field.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Saskatoon Valkyries brought out the warm and fuzzy feelings.

On Saturday, the CFL’s most popular franchise and the WWCFL’s most decorated powerhouse club took centre stage at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Roughriders were hosting their Green and White Day during the afternoon and the Valkyries hosted and downed their provincial rivals the Regina Riot in a night time WWCFL regular season contest to improve to 3-0 on the 2024 campaign.

Overall, it was a great day for football, and if you stayed for both events, you spent a fantastic nine hours at the storied football facility that dates back to 1960.

The festivities started at 1 p.m. with the annual “Rider State of the Nation” fan forum held in the main hall at the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds. Dave Thomas, who is the new play-by-play voice of the Roughriders, moderated a panel discussion that included the team’s first year head coach in Corey Mace, vice-president of football operations and general manager Jeremy O’Day and president and CEO Craig Reynolds.

Along with the panel discussion, a question and answer period was held for the fans in attendance.

Mace was the most popular person with the fans representing Rider Nation due to being the team’s new head coach. The sideline boss drew cheers when he said he wanted to build a team that reflected the natural makeup of the people of Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Roughrider Pep Band plays on Saturday.

He said he plans for the team to field an aggressive defence. Mace added for another Grey Cup championship to be won the team and the province will do it together and hopefully have a celebration soon. Those words drew another ovation.

Outside in the plaza area that is shared by the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building, SMF Field and Joe Gallagher Field, all sorts of activities were happening during the time the fan forum was going on up until the Roughriders took part in on field activities at SMF Field.

There were kids’ games and also a play area for the youngsters. 

The Saskatchewan Roughrider Pep Band put on a performance and members of the Rider Cheer Team were stationed at the main gates along with wandering the grounds to meet the team’s supporters. Fans also got to interact with the team’s famed mascot in Gainer the Gopher.

On field activities started around 3:15 p.m. They started with a performance by the Rider Cheer Team, the introduction of Gainer and the Roughriders came out to their traditional “Bring ’Em Out” entrance.

In most past years, the on field activities usually saw the Roughriders hold an intrasquad game. With the Roughriders slated to host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in an exhibition contest on Monday at 2 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, the Roughriders on field activities on Saturday focused more on preparation leading to the tilt with Winnipeg.

The Rider Cheer Team performs at SMF Field.

The team did special teams return drills, some scrimmage drills, seven-versus-seven drills, offensive line versus defensive line drill and field goal drills. Those activities wrapped up about 4:45 p.m., and the players and coaches proceeded to meet the fans hanging along the fence line.

Once the Roughriders departed the scene, the Valkyries and Riot took over SMF Field for their clash that kicked off at about 7:15 p.m. The contest was played under a setting sun that gave way to night fall with the game continuing under the stadium’s lights.

The clash turned into milestone night for the Valkyries, who rolled to 32-7 lead at halftime and cruise to a 41-7 victory. 

The win allowed the Valkyries to improve to 3-0 and lock up first place in the WWCFL’s Prairie Conference. The Riot fell to 1-2.

The victory improved the Valkyries overall winning streak to 30 games. Their last loss came way back on June 24, 2018, when they dropped a 14-10 decision to the Riot in the WWCFL’s Championship Game played at Mosaic Stadium. Saskatoon has since won the last three WWCFL title games that have been played.

Alex Eyolfson fires a pass downfield for the Valkyries.

Valkyries star quarterback Alex Eyolfson completed 19-of-29 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns. 

Valkyries star receiver Haley Girolami, who missed much of last season with a leg injury, showed she was back in top form catching five passes for 120 yards.

Star slotback Reed Thorstad hauled in seven passes for 99 yards and one touchdown for the host side. Star running back Sarah Wright led the Valkyries with 76 yards rushing coming on 13 carries. She scored one touchdown along the ground and one through the air.

Veteran receiver Ricki Obed had a receiving and a rushing touchdown for the Valkyries. Kicker Grace Moehler had a field goal, five converts and a single.

Riot star quarterback Aimee Kowalski completed 25-of-49 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown. 

Riot star receiver Shanelle Rioux caught nine passes for 112 yards and one touchdown. Morgan Taylor converted the Riot’s major score.

The Riot now take on the Manitoba Fearless (0-2) on May 26 at 1 p.m. at Leibel Field in Regina.

The Valkyries close their regular season schedule by traveling to winning on June 2 to face the Fearless at St. Vital Mustangs field at 1 p.m. local time.

The Valkyries are all smiles after their win on Saturday.

Overall, Saturday both day and night were alright at SMF Field. The Roughriders and Valkyries made it a feel good time for football fans in “The Bridge City.”

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Defence delivers in clutch time for Valkyries

Saskatoon advances to WWCFL final with 19-9 win over Regina

Valkyries MLB Emmarae Dale takes down Riot R Shanelle Rioux.

The Saskatoon Valkyries lived out the cliché that “defence wins championships” on Sunday.

Taking are their provincial rivals the Regina Riot at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Valkyries took a 19-0 lead into the fourth quarter in the WWCFL’s Prairie Conference Championship game. With a strong wind at their backs, the Riot trimmed the Valkyries advantage to 19-9 with 4:30 remaining in the frame.

The Valkyries defence shut the door at that point to make the 19-9 score to hold up as the game’s final outcome and allowed the Saskatoon side to claim the conference title. The Valkyries advance and will host the WWCFL Championship game this coming Saturday against the Calgary Rage at 2 p.m. at Griffiths Stadium on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan.

Valkyries MLB Emmarae Dale chases down Riot QB Aimee Kowalski.

“That was a really fun game honestly,” said Valkyries star middle linebacker Emmarae Dale, who led her squad with 10.5 total tackles in the contest. “I think we even kind of expected them to come out like that.

“We knew that they were going to get better. At the end of the season, everybody has made their tweaks. That was a big game for us defensively for sure.

“I think we stepped up in the ways that we needed to. We luckily were able to hold on at the end, so that was a really big game for us to kind of jell as a unit. I’m excited to go forward for the final.”

Danaye Holynski (#55) and Emry Halbgewachs (#52) team up on a sack.

The Valkyries built a 15-0 lead at halftime and saw their advantage increase to 19-0 in the third quarter after the Riot conceded a pair of safeties due to bad field position. While the Valkyries were seemingly in control on the scoreboard, their offence had stalled out in the second half.

In the fourth quarter, the Riot offensive unit started to get some confidence. With 7:12 remaining in the fourth quarter, Riot star quarterback Aimee Kowalski hit shifty receiver Shanelle Rioux on an intermediate route.

Rioux proceeded to juke her way past a host of Valkyries defenders on her way to a 37-yard catch and run touchdown play to cut the host side’s lead to 19-7.

Valkyries DT Carla Stevenson tackles Riot RB Bethany O’Toole.

The Riot proceeded to recover an onside kick. The Valkyries defence stopped the Riot offence on the ensuing series forcing a punt.

With 4:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Valkyries conceded a safety due to be trapped in bad field position trimming their advantage to 19-9.

On their ensuing series, the Riot drove to the Valkyries 35-yard line, where they turned the ball over on downs. Regina had one last series on offence, but turned the ball over on downs at the Valkyries 50-yard line with less than 40 seconds remaining on the clock.

Valkyries DB Sydney Beaudette stops Riot QB Aimee Kowalski.

As the Riot were out of timeouts, the Valkyries were able to run out the clock with kneel downs to finalize the 19-9 outcome in their favour.

“It is hard to beat a team three times in row,” said Valkyries head coach Pat Barry. “We mentioned that to our team a lot, and it came true today.

“Regina is a good football team, one of the best teams in the country, and they are well coached. They were prepared. We are happy with the win.

“We have a lot of things to fix up for next weekend.”

Valkyries star running back Sarah Wright said there were some nerves once the Riot got a touchdown, but she was confident her team’s defence was going to shut the door at that point.

Sarah Wright (#88) runs in a touchdown from two yards out.

“There were nerves a little bit, but honestly, we have the best defence in Canada I would say,” said Wright. “We always have our faith in them, and they always come out on top.

“We can always rely on them.”

Dale was proud of how her defensive unit rebounded after Rioux made her long touchdown reception.

“Those are the moments in a football game that are do or die,” said Dale. “You have to step up.

“Either you break from the pressure, or you do step up and make magic happen kind of thing. It was intense. It was nice to actually have a look like that in the season.

Sarah Wright carried the ball 23 times for 131 yards and two TDs.

“I think it was good to see that our defence can step up to that kind of pressure and those kinds of situations. We were able to adapt and handle it.”

The defences on both sides ruled the first quarter of Sunday’s contest as the game was scoreless after 15 minutes of play.

Just 59 seconds into the second quarter, Wright ran home a score from two yards out on a toss play to the right side of the field to give the Valkyries a 7-0 lead.

With 6:20 remaining in the second quarter, the Valkyries inched their lead up to 8-0 from a single on a 29-yard missed field goal attempt from kicker/receiver Grace McCorriston.

Shanelle Rioux caught 8 passes for 88 yards and one TD.

The Valkyries pushed their advantage out to 15-0 with 3:12 remaining in the second quarter, when Wright ran a toss play to the right side of the field into the end zone on a long 46-yard romp. Wright had a huge day on offense leading her team in both rushing and receiving yards.

On the ground, Wright ran the ball 23 times for 131 yards to go with her two rushing majors. Through the air, she caught three passes for 45 yards.

“We were just taking our holes hard,” said Wright, whose squad closed the regular season blanking the Riot in Regina 41-0 on June 4. “We knew that they would watch film on us.

“We knew that us showing a lot in our other Regina game in Regina they would come for us. We had to make minor adjustments, and those worked for us too.”

The Valkyries begin celebrating their conference title win.

After Wright’s long touchdown run to put the Valkyries up 15-0, that set things up where the Valkyries defence rose to the occasion to seal victory for the Saskatoon side.

Between both the regular season and post-season, the Valkyries improved to 6-0. The Riot finished out with a 3-3 record in combined action in the regular season and post-season.

Valkyries star quarterback Alex Eyolfson completed 12-of-25 passes for 119 yards and carried the ball once for 23 yards. Kowalski completed 18-of-40 passes for 166 yards and one touchdown and carried the ball three times for 22 yards.

Riot players hug after falling in the Prairie Conference final.

Rioux caught eight passes for 88 yards to go with her receiving major for Regina.

Defensive end Danaye Holynski had a pair of sacks for the Valkyries, while defensive end Emry Halbgewachs had a single sack for the Saskatoon side.

Linebacker Emilie Belanger topped the Riot with 10.5 total tackles.

Now, the Valkyries will turn their attention towards the Rage, who have a 4-0 record between both the regular season and post-season. The Valkyries go into that contest having won their last 26 games overall including two forfeit victories, and they will be looking to win a third straight WWCFL title.

“It feels really, really good,” said Dale. “It will be my first chance with the Valks for an attempt at a three-peat.

The Valkyries receive the Prairie Conference championship trophy.

“I’m really, really excited to try that. We’re all just going to keep trying to keep ourselves healthy as much as we can, but I think we are all very, very excited. We can’t wait.

“We’re excited to see what Calgary comes out with.”

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Herner experienced season like no other with Valkyries

Kori Herner (#27) secures an interception for the Valkyries.

    REGINA, Sask. - Kori Herner’s rookie campaign with the Saskatoon Valkyries was a season that was unique to any she had encountered in team sports.

    Herner is associated the most with the sports of hockey and softball. In hockey, she played for the Saskatoon Stars female midget AAA team for two seasons from 2011 to 2013 and was the club’s captain in her final campaign.

    Following her time with the Stars, Herner played five seasons with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s hockey team from 2013 to 2018, and she helped them win a Canada West Conference title and a bronze at U Sports nationals as a rookie in 2013-14.

    The Kindersley, Sask., product has been coaching in both hockey and softball since her Huskies playing days wrapped up.

    With the competitive juices still flowing to be a player, Herner was persuaded to join the Valkyries, who are a powerhouse team in the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, by the squad’s head coach, Pat Barry, and veteran safety, Rienna Rueve.

    Herner, who recently turned 24-years-old, never played competitive tackle football before. She became a starting defensive halfback for the Valkyries and aided them in capturing the WWCFL title with a 25-3 victory over the host Regina Riot on Saturday at Mosaic Stadium.

    Besides learning a new sport and the ins and outs of the nine-year-old WWCFL, Herner dealt for the first time ever of the sudden passing of one of her team’s coaches as the season was in progress.

Kori Herner tries to rip away from a Riot tackler.

    On June 1, Valkyries defensive position coach Justin Filteau passed away in a plane crash. Filteau joined the Valkyries coaching staff in 2017 as a linebackers coach and was a defensive line coach this season.

    “We went through a really hard time, but I think overall it brought us closer together,” said Herner. “We did it for (Justin) Filteau.

    “We wanted to win this championship for Filteau. Everything we did and every play we did, everything was for him. I think that is what drove us to win this game.”

    In Saturday’s WWCFL title game, Herner had one of the key turning point plays that ultimately turned the contest in favour of the Valkyries.

    With Saskatoon holding a slim 1-0 lead over Regina in the second quarter, Herner intercepted Riot star quarterback Aimee Kowalski setting up the Valkyries in Regina’s half of the field.

    On the ensuing offensive series, the Valkyries manufactured a scoring drive that was capped by a four-yard rushing touchdown by star running back Sam Matheson.

    “It was pretty sick,” said Herner, whose team has an 8-0 overall record. “We talked before, and I said I wanted to get another one against Regina.

    “I did when we played them at home. I just saw it coming, and it was just right there. It was a good feeling. It was great.”

Kori Herner (#27) is all focus after a pick by Ehjae Chan, middle.

    Herner, who stands 5-foot-5, had an interception off Kowalski back on May 11, when the Valkyries downed the Riot 38-13 in a regular season encounter at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

    Going into those games against the Riot, Herner was oblivious to the fact Kowalski was a career member of the Riot, who has played on Saskatchewan’s provincial and Canada’s national women’s tackle football teams.

    Herner said not knowing the reputations players had in the WWCFL might have slightly helped her, but she doesn’t overly concern herself on that front.

    “I just came to play,” said Herner. “Not really knowing a lot about her (Kowalski), it doesn’t really matter either way, if I did or didn’t.

    “I just went and did my job.”

    Barry was happy Herner elected to join the Valkyries this season. The sideline boss was proud to see Herner step up in a big moment.

    “It was a big factor for sure,” said Barry. “It did switch the momentum.

    “They were starting to make some plays. It was a big play. She is a first year player, and it was pretty exciting to have her make that play.”

Kori Herner (#27) enjoys a WWCFL title win with her teammates.

    Herner worked with both Barry and Rueve as a teaching intern at Walter Murray Collegiate. Barry and Rueve are both teachers at that Saskatoon high school.

    Herner and Rueve also played flag football together during the winter.

    Barry and Rueve kept selling Herner on the Valkyries and telling her the squad had a road trip to Las Vegas for an exhibition game. That turned out to be one of the selling points that helped bring Herner to the club.

    In that March 23 pre-season game, Herner played linebacker helping the Valkyries post a 34-6 victory over the Sin City Trojans.

    “Off the hop, I was pretty nervous,” said Herner, who earned her kinesiology and education degrees from the U of S. “I didn’t know a lot about football.

    “I didn’t know what to expect. They (the coaches) related everything to hockey. It just started making sense to me.

    “I really enjoyed it.”

    Herner found that she was good fit at defensive back. She said Valkyries defensive backs coach James Vause was really good at teaching the ins and outs of the position.

    Vause played safety for the Saskatoon Hilltops on four straight Canadian Junior Football League championship teams from 2014 to 2017, and he is currently a safety with the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds football team in the U Sports ranks.

Kori Herner and the Valkyries are all smiles after their WWCFL title win.

    Herner was pumped to be part of a Valkyries league championship winner in her first campaign with the team.

    “F*&^$&# awesome,” said Herner. “It was nice.

    “Before, I was talking to my grandpa and how he always bugs me. He is like, ‘You’ve won so many championships.’ I’ve never won a football one before, so that would be nice to add to the shelves.”

    The Valkyries will hit the field for one more game before their 2019 campaign comes to an end.

    This coming Saturday, they host the Montreal Blitz at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field in an exhibition contest. The Blitz play out of a women’s league in the United States.

    When that contest concludes, the question posed to Herner was would she return to the Valkyries in 2020 for a sophomore season?

    She is teaching at Bedford Road Collegiate as well as continuing to coach hockey and softball.
    Herner is an assistant coach for Saskatchewan’s under-16 female team provincial hockey team, and she is taking on an assistant coach role with the Stars.

    With all that going on, Herner expects she will return to the Valkyries next season.

Kori Herner (#27) enjoys a fun moment with the Valkyries DBs.

    “I am pretty busy with playing ball and coaching hockey,” said Herner. “I want to come back.

“I will make time.”

    If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

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“This game was 100 per cent for him” - Valkyries win WWCFL title in memory of late coach Filteau

Ron Filteau holds the WWCFL title trophy for the Valkyries team picture.

    REGINA, Sask. - It was far from an ordinary Western Women’s Canadian Football League championship for the Saskatoon Valkyries.

    On Saturday, the Valkyries downed the host Regina Riot 25-3 to capture their first league title since 2016 and sixth WWCFL championship since the team first hit the field in 2011. 

    The Riot entered Saturday’s game looking for their third straight league championship having won the WWCFL title in 2017 and 2018.

    The Valkyries were playing to honour the memory of their late defensive position coach Justin Filteau, who died in a plane crash on June 1. After learning about Filteau’s passing, the Valkyries dedicated their 2019 season to their late coach.

Sam Matheson (#22) jets off on a 16-yard touchdown run.

    Following Saturday’s win over the Riot, the Valkyries brought Filteau’s father, Ron, on to the field to share in the celebrations. The team had a big group hug with Ron, and he took part in a team picture with the squad.

    “This feels unreal, especially with everything that has happened this year, the adversity our team has experienced and overcome on this field,” said sixth-year defensive back Ehjae Chan. “It means so much like more than words can even express.

    “For us to be here to have played in this game and pulled through, we really felt coach (Justin) Filteau here today. This game was 100 per cent for him. I think for us it just felt fitting.”

    The Valkyries improved to 8-0 overall with the win.

Haley Girolami makes a tough sidelines catch.

    They still have one more exhibition game this coming Saturday at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field against the Montreal Blitz, who play out of a women’s league in the United States.

    The Riot, who won two straight road playoff games to make the WWCFL final, finished off with a 3-4 overall mark.

    Valkyries quarterback Alex Eyolfson, who was named her team’s MVP for the title game, said she couldn’t find the words to adequately say how she felt regarding all that her squad had to persevere through.

    “It is just amazing,” said Eyolfson. “It is a great feeling.

    “Everyone just has so much heart on this team. It just showed today at the end. We just pushed through and got it for Filteau.”

    The Valkyries actually closed their WWCFL regular season schedule one day after Filteau’s sudden passing on June 2 at Mosaic Stadium against the Riot. Saskatoon prevailed in that contest 22-7.

    “When we found out about Justin’s passing, we were playing our last regular season game here on June second, and it was a challenge,” said Valkyries head coach Pat Barry. “I had never been involved in anything like that.

Ehjae Chan (#24) celebrates a fourth quarter interception.

    “The resiliency of our athletes is incredible. I am so proud of them. Their mental toughness is something I will never forget.

    “I will remember it all of my days.”

    Saturday’s clash was a typical physical affair that traditionally occurs between the Valkyries and Riot. The defences on both sides force their share of turnovers.

    The Valkyries ultimately made their takeaways count scoring 24 points off turnovers.

Saskatoon went ahead 1-0 early in the first quarter on a 40-yard punt single from Rienna Rueve.

    In the second quarter, Valkyries rookie defensive back Kori Herner intercepted Riot star quarterback Aimee Kowalski.

    The Valkyries turned that turnover into a short scoring drive that was capped by a four-yard touchdown run by star running back Sam Matheson to give the visitors an 8-0 edge.

    Near the end of the second quarter, Chan intercepted Kowalski and made a long run back into Regina’s end of the field.

Valkyries LB Beth Lalonde sacks Riot QB Aimee Kowalski.

    A short drive resulting from that turnover ended with Rueve hitting a 15-yard field goal to give the Valkyries an 11-0 lead with 14 seconds remaining before halftime.

    “As a DB, anytime you get to have an interception it’s really meaningful, especially when it kind of changes the tide of the game,” said Chan. “Our whole team has been playing unreal.

    “Our defence, we were working together, so I feel like that was just a reflection of how well our defence was playing as a unit. I just happened to get to take the glory for that moment, but it was really the whole team working together to make that happen.”

    Early in the third quarter, the Riot appeared to seize the momentum, when defensive end Jessie Noname blocked a punt and recovered the ball at Saskatoon’s 34 yard line.

QB Alex Eyolfson (#15) threw for 200 yards for the Valkyries.

    On the ensuing Regina offensive series, Kowalski appeared to hit receiver Kyla Krenbrink for a nine-yard touchdown pass, but the score was called back due to an off-side penalty against the Riot.

    That series ended with Krenbrink hitting a field goal from 20 yards out to cut the Valkyries lead to 11-3.

    In the fourth quarter, the Valkyries got the ball on their own 45 yard line after stopping the Riot on a third down gamble.

    Saskatoon proceeded to drive the ball downfield for a scoring march that was capped by a one-yard sneak by short-yardage quarterback Reed Thorstad. Thorstad’s score gave the visitors an 18-3 lead with 6:47 remaining on the clock.

The Valkyries held Reed Thorstad (#12) up after she scores a touchdown.

    After stopping the Riot on another third down gamble, the Valkyries mounted another scoring march that was capped by a 16-yard touchdown run by Matheson to put Saskatoon up 25-3 with 2:35 to play.

    Chan made her second interception of the contest on the ensuring Riot offensive series to cap the Valkyries victory.

    “It is always nice to come and battle,” said Chan, who had three tackles to go with her two interceptions. “We always have great games when we play the Riot.

    “We appreciate that, because football is more fun when it is a challenge and you aren’t sure what is going to happen. Obviously, it is great. We’re so proud of the football community in Saskatchewan.

Valkyries head coach Pat Barry gets the ice bucket shower.

    “Obviously, we love keeping it (the WWCFL championship) in the province and battling it out.”

    Matheson had a monster game for the Valkyries running the ball 21 times for 176 yards to go with her two scores.

    Eyolfson, who was named her team’s MVP for the game, completed 13-of-27 passes for 200 yards with one interception. Valkyries rookie receiver Haley Girolami led all pass catchers with six catches for 65 yards, which included a key 24-yard sideline catch in the fourth quarter.

    “We had a great group of receivers this year,” said Eyolfson. “I think it was probably like one of the strongest years we’ve had as an offence for sure.

    “We’ve played flag before, so it is good. I can connect with them. I know how they run.”

    The Riot were limited to 199 yards of total offence as a team. Kowalski completed 14-of-37 passes with four interceptions.

Ron Filteau, centre, gets emotional from a warm greeting by the Valkyries.

    Linebacker Emmarae Dale and defensive end Danaye Holynski each had 10.5 tackles for the Valkyries.

    Defensive tackle Brittany Boschman was named the game MVP for the Riot making 3.5 tackles and recovering one fumble.

    Barry spoke to Justin Filteau’s mom, Nancy, before the contest and she said to tell the players to have fun. The side boss reminded his players of that bit of advice at halftime, and he thought they were more upbeat with how they played in the second half.
    With all the Valkyries had to go though, Barry was overjoyed to see his team win the WWCFL title.

The Valkyries raise the WWCFL championship trophy.

    “I’m a little speechless right now,” said Barry. “I am so proud of these players.

    “I am so proud of these athletes. I am really excited for them. They had a great day.”

    If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

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