Going into the 2022 Cowichan Women’s Football League season, the Crew weren’t even sure if they would be able to field a team.
In the end, however, not only did they put a team together, but the Crew won their first CWFL championship since 2017.
The Crew had a full squad and then some last Sunday as they lined up against the Ravens, who were attempting to defend their title from 2019, the last time the CWFL held a season. The Ravens had only seven players on hand, and numbers proved to make the difference. By halftime, the score was 30-6 in favour of the Crew, and with the Ravens down one player and close to losing another, the game was called and the Crew were named champions.
For the sake of sportsmanship, the teams combined and played out the remaining two quarters.
Kaili Lukan scored two touchdowns for the Crew, while Janelle Mould and Marilou Sullivan had one apiece, with Kate Collins adding a convert. Jamie Aitchison had the lone touchdown for the Ravens.
The semifinals last Wednesday saw the Crew get past the Law 48-6, while the Ravens beat the Ruckers 44-20.
Law quarterback Jaimie Olson was named league MVP, while Lukan was selected as Rookie of the Year.
The Best Offence Award went to Olson, Lukan, Sara Jones, Megan Lee, Jenna Bugden, Veronica Smith and Ashley Bond.
The Best Defence Award went to Tina Lum, Janelle Mould, Leanne Closson, Jamie Russell, Dani Robb, Annie Zurstrom and Morgan Rogers.
The Sportsmanship Award went to Sullivan, Shelly Jones, Wendy Charles, Kat Olson, Jess Redlick, Rachel Paddle and Keri McKelvie.
The Inspirational Award went to Collins, Jessica May, Danielle Rankin, Leah McCormick, Veronica Smith, Rhiannon Kemmler and coach Phil Slater.
Six of the seven CWFL teams will be among 11 entries contending at Sun Bowl XXXV at McAdam Park this coming weekend, the first time the event has been held since 2019. The field will also include teams from Vancouver and Toronto.
Games will run on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday, starting at 8:30 a.m., with the Grounded final at 3 p.m. and Top Flight final at 4 p.m.