Valkyries continue to write great feel good story

Nine time WWCFL champs show sports at its best

The Valkyries celebrate with the WWCFL championship trophy.

The Saskatoon Valkyries have created a space where all feels right with the world.

Definitely, all feels right in the world of the powerhouse Western Women’s Canadian Football League club. The results on the field have certainly proven for that to be true.

On Sunday at Leibel Field in Regina, the Valkyries claimed their ninth WWCFL title downing their provincials rivals the Regina Riot 36-21 in the WWCFL Championship Game. The victory was the 33^rd in a row for the Saskatoon side that went 6-0 overall in 2024. The Valkyries 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.

The Valkyries coaches pose with the WWCFL championship trophy.

For the second time in team history, the Valkyries have won four straight WWCFL titles. They took the league title in four straight seasons from 2011 to 2014, which were the first four campaigns of the WWCFL’s existence.

The Valkyries overcame a unique challenge in their current run of winning four consecutive WWCFL championships. The run started with a 25-3 WWCFL Championship Game victory over the Riot on June 29, 2019 at Mosaic Stadium.

Kelsey Murphy returns an interception for the Valkyries.

The 2020 and 2021 campaigns were lost due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that gripped the world. The Valkyries did manage to play a three-game exhibition series against the Riot in 2021 winning all three of those contests.

When the WWCFL returned to regular action, the title wins continued for the Valkyries. On June 25, 2022, the Valkyries downed the Manitoba Fearless 36-6 in the league title game at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Another WWCFL championship came on June 24, 2023 as the Valkyries blanked the Calgary Rage 40-0 in the league title contest held at Griffiths Stadium.

The roll kept going this past Sunday with the Valkyries most recent victory against the Riot.

Alex Wojcichowsky has been with the Valkyries since 2013.

Saskatoon’s success can be attributed to the togetherness of everyone on the club. In a current world where the word “division” has become the defining characteristic of society, the Valkyries provide a space where acceptance is the defining characteristic.

It is the place where the Christian Catholic, the person in a same sex relationship, the African-American, the individual from an Indigenous background, one with Asian cultural roots and various other defining cultures and characteristics all play together. On top of that, everyone becomes best friends and family.

Unfortunately in today’s world, it is becoming more common where some in those backgrounds don’t want you interacting with others outside of the group that defines your characteristics away from the game. In some spaces, those that do are considered very, very bad people.

Alex Eyolfson has played QB for the Valkyries since 2016.

The Valkyries provide the example of where sport can bring everyone together. The family feeling on the team is one of main things that keeps bringing a core group of players together to train during the times of the COVID-19 shutdowns when it wasn’t clear when the team would next play in a real game.

The storied Saskatoon club has hit a point in its history where players from the Valkyries inaugural campaign in 2011 are coaches with the club in co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Marci Halseth, defensive line coach Beth Thompson and linebackers coach Beth Lalonde. Jaime Lammerding, who also an original Valkyries player, is on the team’s board of directors overseeing fundraising, and Rienna Rueve, who joined the Valkyries in their second campaign in 2012, is a defensive backs coach.

Emmarae Dale has suited up at MLB for the Valkyries since 2016.

The players that were once kid youngsters starting their first years after high school graduation are now veteran leaders. That includes Alex Wojcichowsky who has continuously been with the team since 2013 playing centre through most of that time and also serving for a short stint as a trainer.

The list of those who were once youngsters and are now veterans includes defensive back and kick returner Kelsey Murphy, who has played with the Valkyries since 2014, and receiver Reed Thorstad and left tackle Alyssa Funk who have both suited up with the Saskatoon side since 2015.

Haley Girolami has made big plays for the Valkyries since 2019.

The 2016 class of newcomers included quarterback Alex Eyolfson, receiver Ricki Obed and middle linebacker Emmarae Dale. These days, it is hard to imagine any of those seven players were ever rookies, because they’ve all be standouts and stars on the squad for some time.

Also, current physiotherapist Jae Gorgchuk and massage therapist Lakyn Biberdorf were rookie players on that 2016 squad.

 Running back Sarah Wright and O-line standout Lauren Ferguson came to the Valkyries in 2017, defensive back Danielle Girolami first suited up in 2018, while physical defensive end Danaye Holynski and receiver Haley Girolami came on board in 2019.

Jaimyn Mantyka became the Valkyries starting safety in 2023.

Those players have helped guide the way for the newcomers who have joined the Valkyries since 2021 including Jackie Semple-Dyck, Kaylin O’Neill, Lexi Beuker, Julia Smith, Kelli Young, Marissa Glanville, Caitlyn Spurr, Teagan Craig, Jaimyn Mantyka, Arden Kliewer, Kennedy Mann, Jacey Harris, Grace Farthing, Emry Halbgewachs, Sydney Schenn, Brenanna Allegretto, Mykayla Laroque, Kate Boyer, Mackenzie Young and Halle Hindmarsh and a host of other players.

The Valkyries also welcomed back veterans in 2024 who had past good runs with the team in defensive backs Shaylyn De Jong and Phelycia Black and Shae Dixon on the D-line.

Saskatoon has also benefitted from having stability at the head coach position. Jeff Yausie, who is also the long time defensive coordinator of the CJFL’s venerable Saskatoon Hilltops, was the Valkyries head coach from the team’s inception in 2011 through to 2016.

Teagan Craig made big plays as a rookie running back this season.

Pat Barry joined the Valkyries as a position coach in 2014 and has served as the team’s head coach since 2017. The continuity at head coach has allowed the family feeling culture on the Valkyries to continue and allows for consistency in the schemes and strategies the team uses on the field.

Also, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Wyatt Carleton usually gives some of the best pump up talks and speeches.

While there might seemingly be chaos in the world away from the game, the Valkyries continue to provide an uplifting spot for female players that want to continue or give tackle football a try. Another spinoff is a number of the Valkyries players give back coaching minor football in the community helping to bring their positive culture influence to that level of the game.

Rookie LB Jacey Harris enjoys her first WWCFL title win.

The Valkyries championship success on the field comes from all these numerous things taking place behind the scenes that builds a great forward momentum. When they capture another WWCFL championship, it really does feel for a short time in that moment that all is right with the world.

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

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.

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.”

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

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.

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.”

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

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.

Girolami kickstarts Valkyries to romp over Fearless

Saskatoon advances to WWCFL title game against Riot

Haley Girolami had seven catches for 118 yards and two TDs on Sunday.

The return of Haley Girolami has been one of the biggest subplots to the Saskatoon Valkyries 2024 campaign.

Last year, the star receiver was lost in the team’s second regular season game due to injury. Girolami suffered a tibial plateau fracture and a PCL tear in her left knee during that contest, which placed her on the shelf for the rest of the 2023 campaign.

She ended up helping the Valkyries with coaching the club’s other receivers along with cheering on her teammates. Girolami watched on the sidelines as the Valkyries blanked the Calgary Rage 40-0 in the WWCFL Championship Game on June 24 of last year at Griffiths Stadium.

Haley Girolami, left, breaks loose from a Fearless defender.

This year Girolami will be in uniform for the WWCFL title clash. That is because on Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field she caught seven passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns.

Girolami’s offensive outburst helped kickstart the Valkyries to a 48-14 romp over the visiting Manitoba Fearless in a WWCFL semfinal clash between the two sides.

“It was a very hard year last year,” said Girolami. “It was a different kind of mindset last year to help and just be a cheerer on the sideline not being able to do something and try and make a difference in the games.

“I’m just happy, and I am thankful to be healthy this season. I am just so excited to play alongside this team in the finals one more time.”

The Valkyries celebrate a first quarter TD from Haley Girolami (#17).

With the win, the Valkyries improved to 5-0 overall on the campaign, pushed their winning streak out to 32 games and advance to face their provincial rivals the Regina Riot in the WWCFL Championship Game. The Fearless finish out at 0-5 overall.

On Saturday, the Riot claimed the other WWCFL semifinal blanking the host Calgary Rage 29-0 at Cochrane High School in Cochrane, Alta. The Riot improved to 3-2 overall, while the Rage finished out at 4-1 overall.

The Riot host the WWCFL final this coming Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Leibel Field in Regina. The Valkyries will be trying to win a fourth consecutive league championship.

Haley Girolami had a team high 320 receiving yards in the regular season.

Girolami is pumped the Valkyries will play for a WWCFL title again.

“It does feel good,” said Girolami, who has been with the Valkyries for their last three WWCFL title wins. “We’re very excited.

“We’ve had a few ups and downs this year and a few closer games. We’re really happy to be back into the final game, and I think we’re ready to give it our all.”

Sunday’s post-season outing was big follow up to a stellar regular season for Girolami. She topped the Valkyries with 320 receiving yards coming off 19 catches as the squad placed first in the Prairie Conference with a 4-0 mark.

Haley Girolami, left, celebrates a TD catch with Reed Thorstad.

“It is so big to have Haley (Girolami) back,” said Valkyries head coach Pat Barry, who club played in on and off again rainy conditions on Sunday. “I’m a big fan of hers.

“She’s an explosive athlete. She is such a positive person. She might be the most competitive person on our team, and there are a lot of competitors on our team.

“It is exciting to have her back and healthy.”

Girolami gave the Valkyries a spark after they had a small stumble out of the gate on Sunday. Just 91 seconds into the contest, the Valkyries had a mishap in fielding a punt deep in their end of the field, which resulted them in ultimately giving up a safety to give the Fearless a 2-0 lead.

Reed Thorstad tosses away a defender after making a catch.

After forcing the Fearless to punt again on their ensuing possession, the Valkyries got to work turning to Girolami. Valkyries star quarterback Alex Eyolfson hit Girolami with a deep pass down the right sideline. That catch went for a 49-yard touchdown reception to give the Valkyries a 7-2 at the 4:40 mark of the opening quarter.

Just under four minutes later, the Valkyries added a 17 yard field goal from receiver/kicker Grace Moehler to push their advantage out to 10-2.

With Girolami having come through with a big reception for a major score, the rest of the Valkyries receivers were finding room to work. Star inside receiver Reed Thorstad would haul in a 38-reception and was tackled down at the Manitoba three yard line. That catch ultimately set up a one-yard touchdown run two plays later from Valkyries star running back Sarah Wright that gave the hosts a 17-2 lead heading into the second quarter.

Alex Eyolfson (#15) completed 16-of-24 passes for 287 yards.

Thorstad finished the contest with five catches for 83 yards. She said Girolami’s presence helps open things up for the rest of the Valkyries playmakers in the passing game.

“She (Girolami) is a talented receiver, and she also works her butt off,” said Thorstad. “She is always going to attack the ball.

“She is always going to be making that extra effort on blocks, and I think having that energy on our offence just ups it a lot for us. It just means we have so many targets on the field, which is awesome.”

The Valkyries kept the offensive fireworks coming in the second quarter. Moehler kicked a 25-yard field goal into the wind to give the Valkyries a 20-2 lead. Wright rolled off a 53-yard touchdown run to put the hosts up 27-2 at halftime.

Sydney Schenn makes one of her seven total tackles on Sunday.

Just 2:24 into the third quarter, Eyolfson hit Girolami with a 14-yard touchdown pass to push the Valkyries lead up to 34-2.

The Fearless proceeded to put together a scoring drive that was capped by quarterback Madison Siwicki hitting inside receiver Cassidy Turski with a 19-yard touchdown strike. The visitors tried to go for a two-point conversion but a dump pass to running back Breanna Hargrave came up short of the end zone to make the score sit at 34-8 in favour of the Valkyries.

With 1:47 remaining in the third quarter, Eyolfson connected with star receiver Ricki Obed on a 48-yard pass and run touchdown to give the Valkyries a 41-8 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

Kelsey Murphy returns an interception 38 yards for the Valkyries.

Early in the fourth quarter, Siwicki scored a major on a one-yard quarterback sneak for the Fearless. Siwicki’s pass on a two-point conversion attempt fell incomplete to make the score sit at 41-14 in favour of Saskatoon.

The Valkyries rounded out the game’s scoring with a 49-yard touchdown run from Teagan Craig, who is playing in her first season with the Saskatoon side. The 48 points the Valkyries scored on Sunday were a team high for the 2024 campaign.

Thorstad said it was big for the Valkyries to get everyone who suited up for the contest into the game.

“I think that was great for us,” said Thorstad. “We’ve got a lot of people.

Emmarae Dale had eight total tackles for the Valkyries.

“We have a deep bench. Teagan (Craig) has speed, and it was fun to see her be able to turn on the jets in some open space and get it in the end zone. I’m excited for her and excited for some of our receivers that had some catches today too.”

Eyolfson finished the contest completing 16-of-24 passes for 287 yards, three touchdown and no interceptions. Wright topped the Valkyries with 65 yards rushing on seven carries to go with her two major scores.

Siwicki completed 11-of-28 passes for 141 yards and one touchdown, while throwing three interceptions for the Fearless. Receiver Morgan Moffatt topped the Manitoba side with 64 receiving yards coming on four catches. Star running back Hallie Eggie led the Fearless in rushing with 19 carries for 85 yards.

Teagan Craig had a 49-yard touchdown run for the Valkyries.

On defence, Valkyries outside linebacker Sydney Schenn had seven total tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery. Star middle linebacker Emmarae Dale led the Valkyries with eight total tackles and an interception.

Veteran defensive back Kelsey Murphy returned an interception 38 yards for the Valkyries, while safety Jaimyn Mantyka and defensive back Kaylin O’Neill each had fumble recoveries.

Linebacker Belle Jonasson had a big game for the Fearless with 6.5 total tackles, one quarterback sack, two pass knockdowns and one interception. Fearless linebacker Jill Fast had one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Hargrave, who was playing both ways, topped the Fearless with eight total tackles.

Cassidy Turski, left, had a TD catch for the Fearless.

Looking back at the start of the season, Girolami said she was ready to get going after recovering from her injury.

“I had tonnes of nerves,” said Girolami, who stand 5-foot-9. “I felt hungry for it.

“I wanted it so bad this year. It was hard to sit out and be on the sideline. I wanted to be with them and playing.

“Our team just gets better every year, so I wanted to be a part of that learning and growing this year.”

The 28-year-old has had a blast being part of the team on the field again.

“It has felt so good,” said Girolami. “It feels super nice to be back and making some plays.

Backup QB Julia Smith (#11) fires a pass downfield for the Valkyries.

“It is great, because we have so many threats on offence. It is amazing to move the ball around.”

Now, the Valkyries turn their attention towards the Riot. The last time the two Saskatchewan rivals met in the WWCFL title game was back in June 29, 2019 at Mosaic Stadium, and the Valkyries came away with a 25-3 victory on that day.

“It is exciting,” said Barry. “It has been five years since we’ve played Regina in the final.

The Valkyries celebrate their WWCFL semifinal win on Sunday.

“It is not in Mosaic Stadium this time. It is in Leibel Field. We’re excited for the opportunity. We’re looking forward to it.”

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

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.

Valkyries post-season road starts with WWCFL home semi

Fearless up next to try and halt Saskatoon’s title quest

The Valkyries are on a quest to win a ninth WWCFL title.

Sarah Wright said every year there are always players on the Saskatoon Valkyries looking to experience their first championship.

That might sound strange for a team that has won the Western Women’s Canadian Football League championship the last three straight times it has been contested. The Valkyries have won eight of the 11 WWCFL Championship Games that have been held since the circuit’s inaugural campaign in 2011.

Wright is the Valkyries veteran star running back who has been with the team since 2017. While she has been a big part of the Valkyries last three straight WWCFL title wins, Wright noted there is always a crop of newcomers to the team who have never experienced a WWCFL title win.

As the Valkyries begin their journey through another WWCFL post-season, that fact always supplies some motivation. The Valkyries (4-0) host the Manitoba Fearless (0-4) in a WWCFL contest on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Sarah Wright carried the ball 60 times for 326 yards in four games.

“We’re very excited,” said Wright. “Every year it seems like we keep getting more younger girls, and it is really exciting.

“We’ve had so much depth this season, which has been something we’ve lacked in other years. We’re excited to get a lot of people on the field and really show it to Winnipeg and get to that final.”

The winner of the clash between the Valkyries and Fearless will travel to face the winner of the other WWCFL semifinal between the Regina Riot (2-2) and Calgary Rage (4-0). The Riot and Rage go at it on Saturday at Cochrane High School in Cochrane, Alta.

The WWCFL semifinal on Sunday in Saskatoon will be the Valkyries final home game for the 2024 campaign.

QB Alex Eyolfson fires a pass downfield for the Valkyries.

“It felt like it has been pretty quick, even though we started at the end of January,” said Valkyries head coach Pat Barry. “Another season has come and gone.

“Now, we are ready for playoffs, which is the part that we’re really excited about.”

The Valkyries will be trying to keep their 31 game winning streak alive too when they face the Fearless. 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.

While the Valkyries won both of their regular season encounters with the Fearless in 2024, the victories were not eye-popping romps but rather games where the Saskatoon side slowly pulled away. On May 5 at SMF Field, the Valkyries blanked the Fearless 26-0. On June 2 at St. Vital Mustangs Field in Winnipeg, the Valkyries claimed a 19-0 victory in a clash that closed the regular season for both clubs.

“We had a tough game in Winnipeg,” said Barry. “It was 9-0 late in the third quarter.

Haley Girolami (#17) leads the Valkyries with 320 receiving yards.

“We managed to stop them. We got a big defensive touchdown. They are a good football team.

“We’ve had some tough ones against them in the last few years. We’re happy we get them at home.”

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

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.

Running back Hallie Eggie is the top offensive threat for the Fearless carrying the ball 73 times for 313 yards in the regular season.

Reed Thorstad leads the Valkyries with 24 receptions.

At this point in the campaign, Wright believes the Valkyries are in a good place both mentally and physically. While her squad is undefeated, she said her squad continues to get pushed by their WWCFL foes.

“The league just keeps getting better,” said Wright. “The quality of football just keeps getting better.

“Us as a program has to continue to get better. We have had some tough games, but us as a core group we continue to show why the Valkyries are one of the strongest teams in Canada. It is just we can rely on each other, and we just keep pushing through.”

In the present, the Valkyries are focused on concluding their home schedule on a high note. Wright said it is always special to host a home game this late in a campaign.

“Last home game, it is nice because we’re lucky enough to get a home game, and some people don’t,” said Wright. “We love having fans there.

The Valkyries aim to build on their 31 game winning streak.

“I think that is one of the biggest things that kind of riles all of us up. We’re very happy to play at home, and where ever the final may be, I think we will still have a lot of our fans coming to travel with us. I think it will be great.”

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

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.

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.”

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

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.