The Cowichan Women's Football League kicked off the season last Sunday with the newly created Storm hoping to make an impact out of the gate while the Crew were looking to defend their league championship.
The Storm got off to the start they wanted, winning their first game ever 13-12 over Moo's Law. The teams played a tight first half, as the Storm got interceptions from Andrea Kucherawy, Joanne Angus and rookie Miranda Mann. The Law, however, got on the scoreboard first thanks to a second-quarter touchdown by Daneve Mackie.
The Storm's defensive dominance continued in the second half as Angus and Lana Mann recorded picks. Toni Williams scored another touchdown for the Law, but the Storm got going on offence with a touchdown by Angus. As time ticked down, rookie Elia Zanon caught a pass in the end zone to tie the score, and quarterback Rachel Paddle connected with Miranda Mann for the single point, securing victory.
Also getting on the stats sheet for the Law were Nicki Flynn and Ashley Chadwick with interceptions.
The Crew weren't as fortunate in their season opener, falling 18-13 to the Blue Steel. Elija Espeseth had two touchdowns for the Blue Steel, while Mila Main had a touchdown and an interception, and Heidi Padjen recorded one pick.
For the Crew, Janelle Mould and Jennie Hittinger had touchdowns, and Mould added the convert on Hittinger's major. Hittinger and Morgan Kinahan came up with picks, and Darci Zibin had an impressive showing in her first game with a sack and a blocked punt.
In the afternoon game, the Sirens defeated the Wild 20-6. Deanne Mearns, Tara Brooks and Christine Cronin scored touchdowns for the Wild, while Mearns, Cronin and Jessica Kato-Koch had interceptions and Sabrina DesRochers added a sack.
The Wild got their lone touchdown from Keri McKelvie, while Marika Masters had two interceptions and Val Chambers had one, and Jen Lewis recorded a sack.