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.”

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Valkyries give Lammerding WWCFL title winning sendoff

Saskatoon downs Fearless 36-6 for seventh league crown

Jaime Lammerding raises the WWCFL championship trophy.

Jaime Lammerding’s playing days with the Saskatoon Valkyries wrapped up with a familiar championship high.

On Saturday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Valkyries romped past the Manitoba Fearless 36-6 in the WWCFL Championship Game. The Valkyries have won the WWCFL title seven out of the 10 times it has been handed out, and Lammerding has played on all of Saskatoon’s championship teams.

The star defensive tackle began playing for the Valkyries in their inaugural season back in 2011 when the first WWCFL season was played. She was elated to wrap up her playing career with a championship win at home.

Jaime Lammerding runs off the field for the final time.

“It is just an extra special treat,” said Lammerding, whose Valkyries completed the 2022 campaign with a perfect 7-0 record. “I remember starting with the Valkyries 12 years ago.

“Just to be able to do it at home and go out on top, it is almost undescribable it is so great.”

Inside of the game’s final 10 seconds, the Valkyries head coach Pat Barry ensured Lammerding got a final salute from the crowd in attendance. With the Valkyries on defence, Barry called a timeout to substitute Lammerding out of the game.

She came off to the sideline to a rousing ovation from the crowd and her teammates on the Valkyries sidelines. Once she reached the Valkyries bench area, Lammerding hugged defensive coordinator Wyatt Carleton, Barry and then numerous other coaches and players on the squad.

Jaime Lammerding, left, hugs Valkyries DC Wyatt Carleton.

“The original plan was that I was going to go take the victory formation as quarterback, so I was going to get my old rep as quarterback in my career with negative yardage,” said Lammerding. “It just didn’t work out that way, so it was nice that they pulled me out to just have an emotional kind of run off kind of thing.

“It was great.”

Barry said the Valkyries were pretty motivated to help Lammerding, who is also the president of the WWCFL, conclude her playing days on a championship winning high.

Jaime Lammerding, left, hugs Valkyries HC Pat Barry.

“We all feel very strongly about her,” said Barry, who team has won 19 straight games overall. “She is such a great leader.

“She is a great mentor for the athletes on our team. She is just going to be the next in line of someone who is working with women’s football. We have a number of coaches on our team who are former players, and they are great coaches.

“They are grass roots coaches, and they do a lot of great things. I see ‘Dinger’ (Lammerding) being that in the future.”

In the WWCFL Championship game itself, the Valkyries steadily pulled away from the Fearless in order to win by a convincing margin.

Jaime Lammerding (#21) is pictured with the Valkyries D-line.

At the 9:27 mark of the first quarter, Valkyries star running back Sarah Wright ran home a touchdown from six yards out to give the host side a 7-0 lead. Wright’s major score capped a drive that covered 94 yards.

That drive was also kept alive by Wright running for a first down on a third down gamble.

Before the first quarter came to an end, the Valkyries extended their lead to 14-0, when star quarterback Alex Eyolfson hit veteran receiver Ricki Obed with an 18-yard touchdown toss.

Sarah Wright runs in the Valkyries first touchdown.

Just 59 seconds into the second quarter, Eyolfson hit second-year receiver Grace McCorriston on a beauty over the shoulder fade pattern in the end zone for a 16-yard scoring strike. The Valkyries lead stood at 20-0, when the ensuing conversion attempt was muffed.

With 4:45 remaining in the second quarter, the Valkyries defence hit the scoreboard with middle linebacker Emmarae Dale returning an interception 64 yards for a touchdown. The Valkyries went for a two-point conversion attempt, but Eyolfson’s pass attempt was incomplete to make the score sit at 26-0 for the host side.

Wright thought the Valkyries got great contributions from everyone on their roster.

“Honestly, the Fearless are a great team, and they are getting better each year, and we can’t take that for granted,” said Wright. “As we came into this week, we knew that everyone had a job to do, and they are obviously watching film and studying us.

Alex Eyolfson threw three TD passes for the Valkyries.

“We kind of had to come up with some different plays and different looks, and those worked today.”

In the third quarter, McCorriston hit a field goal from 30 yards out to increase the Valkyries lead to 29-0. Before the stanza expired, Eyolfson connected with Obed for a 14-yard touchdown pass to give the Valkyries a 36-0 advantage.

The Fearless got on the scoreboard at the 3:50 mark of the fourth quarter when quarterback Madison Siwicki hit receiver Morgan Moffatt with an eight-yard touchdown toss. The ensuing conversion attempt was blocked making the final score round out at 36-6.

Before Saturday’s contest, the Valkyries won the WWCFL title the last time it was contested back in 2019.

The 2020 and 2021 WWCFL campaigns were cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world. The Valkyries were able to get on the field in 2021 winning all the contests in a three-game exhibition series against the Regina Riot.

Grace McCorriston (#82) sets to make a touchdown catch.

Barry said it meant a lot to the team to win the champions at home with everything that has happened over the past couple of years, because the moment could be enjoyed with family and friends. The Valkyries also hadn’t won a WWCFL title at home since 2014, when they captured the league crown at Griffiths Stadium on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan.

The Valkyries began playing their home games out of SMF Field at the start of the 2015 campaign.

“It feels so good to have something that feels kind of normal again,” said Barry. “We’re super excited about it.

“We’ve never won a championship on this field. It has never happened. This is a first for us for our team.

The fans at SMF Field cheer on the Valkyries.

“I’m very happy. I’m so proud of the whole team.”

Wright was named the game’s most valuable player for the Valkyries carrying the ball 20 times for 157 yards and one touchdown. She also had a 14 yard catch to go with her production along the ground.

The multipurpose running back was surprised to be named the game’s MVP for her team.

“I definitely think that there were a few other girls that played their heart out today, and we’re very deserving of it,” said Wright. “I’ll take it, but again, it was definitely a team environment and group.

Danaye Holynski (#55) had 12.5 total tackles for the Valkyries.

“There were a handful of girls that should have got that too.”

Having joined the Valkyries in 2017, Wright was part of the championship win in 2019, and she pumped to win the WWCFL title in 2019.

“I’m so happy,” said Wright. “It is so great to be at home actually.

“Having everyone come on to the field and we’re able to talk to everyone, it means the world. When they (the hometown fans) are cheering so loud in the stands, that brings that environment, and I feel like that definitely played into the game today.”

Eyolfson finished the contest completing 16-of-27 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns without throwing any interceptions. 

Ricki Obed had 107 yards receiving and two TDs for the Valkyries.

Obed led all receivers with eight catches for 107 yards and scored two touchdowns. She also carried the ball twice for eight yards and returned three punts for 24 yards.

Siwicki completed 11-of-23 passes for 106 yards and one touchdown, while throwing two interceptions for the Fearless. Running back Hallie Eggie was named the game MVP for the Fearless carrying the ball 18 times for 60 yards.

Valkyries defensive end Danaye Holynski piled up a game high 12.5 total tackles in the win. Dale had eight total tackles to go with her interception for a touchdown.

Saskatoon safety Kelsey Murphy had an interception, while defensive backs Rienna Rueve and Kendal Matheson each had one fumble recovery.

Kelsey Murphy (#85) makes an interception for the Valkyries.

Defensive back Taylor Post topped the Fearless with 7.5 total tackles.

The Fearless entered Saturday’s game riding a five-game winning streak and finished the 2022 campaign with a 5-2 mark.

For the Valkyries, the biggest memory from Saturday’s contest will be the fact that Lammerding was able to conclude her playing time on a championship winning note. Wright was pleased she could help Lammerding go out on a high.

“She (Lammerding) means pretty much everything,” said Wright. “She has been around since the inauguration of our team.

The Valkyries celebrate winning the WWCFL Championship Game.

“Every year she has been sort of a grounding person and honestly the focal point of our family environment. She is pretty much the program, so we will take her in the future however she can come coach wise or anywise. She is just an anchor point.”

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Valkyries aim to make good on rare home WWCFL title game

Saskatoon faces Fearless in Saturday championship showdown

Rienna Rueve (#7) reacts to making an interception for the Valkyries.

The 2022 Saskatoon Valkyries season has been a bonus one for Rienna Rueve.

Having played with the Valkyries since the start of the 2012 campaign mainly at safety while taking on duties in the kicking game, Rueve was not expecting to suit up this season.

“I thought I was taking this season off as I got surgery on my foot in December,” said Rueve. “Somehow, (Valkyries head coach) Pat (Barry) got me sneaking in to help with some kicking coaching, and from there, he was like, ‘I bet maybe you could try punting.’”

The request about punting came when the Valkyries lost all-time great running back Sam Matheson, who handles punting duties, the season due to a knee injury in the team’s second game. All of a sudden, Rueve found herself donning her customary number seven jersey.

Rienna Rueve punts the ball for the Valkyries.

From that point, injuries started to pile up on defence, and Rueve was back in the mix taking on a starting role at cornerback. In the Valkyries 52-0 victory over the Edmonton Storm last Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, Rueve had an interception and a fumble recovery.

On Saturday at 7 p.m. at SMF Field, Rueve will be trying to help the Valkyries (6-0) win their seventh WWCFL title taking on the Manitoba Fearless (5-1). Rueve was a member of five out of the Valkyries previous six WWCFL championship teams helping the Saskatoon side win league titles in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2019. The 2014 title victory marks the last time the Valkyries won the WWCFL crown at home.

Unlike those previous title winning campaigns, Rueve wasn’t training with the Valkyries in the off-season to take the field with the team in 2022.

“It is different,” said Rueve. “I still don’t feel like I have been as invested as I am regularly from start to finish just as this hasn’t been my season.

Rienna Rueve (#7) dives for a fumble recovery for the Valkyries.

“Everything is kind of a bonus. I’m still playing football, and for every game I get to play, I’m super thankful for. It is still a championship game.”

Rueve is used to making big plays on defence. The big plays she made against the Storm helped her feel more like she normally feels on game days taking on roles on defence and special teams.

“It makes punting better,” said Rueve. “It is hard for me just to punt.

“I don’t feel like that is my primary position, so I need to be moving around in order to kind of clear my mind enough to do (punting) and it is good. It was fun moving around. It (playing cornerback) was a different position from what I have been playing the last few years.

Rienna Rueve is playing cornerback on defence for the Valkyries.

“I think it has kind of been nice just to focus on a couple things at a time and take my time and no real pressure to get into the full swing of things. It is all a bonus.”

Saturday will mark the first time the WWCFL Championship game was held since June 29, 2019, when the Valkyries downed the host Riot in Regina 25-3 at Mosaic Stadium. The 2020 and 2021 WWCFL campaigns were cancelled due to the world being in the grips of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Valkyries were able to play a three-game exhibition series against the Riot in 2021.

This season, the Valkyries and Fearless met once way back in Week 1 on May 1, when Saskatoon claimed a 43-14 victory at SMF Field against the Winnipeg-based club. Since that encounter, the Fearless have won five straight entering the WWCFL Final.

Hallie Eggie has had a strong season for the Fearless.

They advanced to the WWCFL title game for the first time in team history downing the Rage in Calgary 15-6 in the other WWCFL semifinal that was held this past Saturday.

Barry expects the Fearless to provide a tough challenge. Fearless running back Hallie Eggie has had an outstanding season, while quarterback Madison Siwicki has provided steady leadership calling signals.

Andrea Backlund and Julie Sprague are the cornerstones of a strong offensive line.

Brooklyn Dyce and Nura Muhindo anchor the Fearless defence from the defensive line, while defensive back Nicole Drouin keeps things steady in the secondary.

Eggie, Backlund, Sprague, Dyce, Muhindo and Drouin are all members of Football Canada’s National Women’s Team.

“On defence, they have some outstanding players, and they are a problem,” said Barry. “We have to account for them.

The Valkyries defence will aim to clamp down on the Fearless offence.

“Eggie number 20, she is an outstanding running back. She gets better the more carries she gets, so that is always a concern. Their quarterback, she is willing to throw it, and she has some receivers. 

“On special teams, they have players who cover hard, work hard, they block and they catch. They do a lot of things right. They are well coached.”

Of course, the Valkyries have a loaded roster with 12 players cracking the main roster Football Canada’s National Women’s Team. That list includes Emmarae Dale (MLB), Lauren Ferguson (OL), Alyssa Funk (OL), Haley Girolami (R), Danaye Holynski (DL), Arden Kliewer (DL), Beth Lalonde (LB), Betsy Mawdsley (OL), Ricki Obed (R), Reed Thorstad (QB/R), Ashley Viklund (OL) and Sarah Wright (RB).

Alex Eyolfson (#15) is having arguably her best season for the Valkyries.

Matheson was placed on the reserve list with her knee injury.

On top of the presence of National Team players, Valkyries quarterback Alex Eyolfson is having arguably her best season ever.

Saturday’s WWCFL title game will be the last game veteran defensive tackle Jaime Lammerding plays for the Valkyries. Lammerding has played for the Valkyries since their first season in 2011.

“It is a mix of emotions,” said Lammerding. “It is kind of odd feelings.

DT Jaime Lammerding got to run the ball in a WWCFL semifinal.

“I know some things are going to be my last things that I am doing. It is weird to kind of make it all make sense in my head like when I do my speech here it all kind of jumbles together. I want to be happy, and I am still sad.

“It is just tough.”

Lammerding enjoyed the fact she got to carry the ball a couple of times on offence in the Valkyries WWCFL semifinal win over the Storm.

“I started off playing running back with the Valkyries,” said Lammerding. “It was kind of more of a throwback.

“It was a treat of course, but it was kind of a throwback to my early days. It was great to get in there. Luckily, they gave me a simple play, where I just had to run left or right and just take the ball so that was good.

Jaime Lammerding (#21) lines up at defensive end.

“It was great to get in there. It is always so nice. Everybody is always behind you so much whenever anybody gets to do something neat and different.”

She added it is cool that her final game will be in a WWCFL title game at home.

“I think it is extra special,” said Lammerding. “It wasn’t really a thought when I decided this was going to be my final year was that we would have the championship here, because who knows if we were going to make it or not.

“I think it ends off everything on just that extra special note that cherry on top.”

Barry said he has been thankful for what Lammerding and Rueve have done for the team over the years. He expects both will play key roles in helping the Valkyries try to win the WWCFL Championship game on Saturday.

The Valkyries aim to raise their helmets for victory on Saturday.

“They are quality people, and they know what they are doing,” said Barry. “We can put them in various situations, and they excel.

“When they are both on the field, it is just their confidence. Their confidence spreads, and it helps everybody on the field.”

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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