OPEN SEASON: WOMEN'S RUGBY

Women's rugby will go through a significant change in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association this season.

Four teams previously forming the East Division will continue to compete by traditional rugby rules, while the former West Division teams will compete in rugby sevens later this month. As a result, two separate women's rugby leagues will take place this season.

The defending OCAA champions Fleming Knights will look to defend their title in the traditional format. Looking to knock Fleming off its perch will be the Algonquin Thunder, Loyalist Lancers and St. Lawrence-Kingston Vikings.

Fleming is coming off an unbeaten season, going 6-0-0 in regular season play. Its last regular season loss came against Algonquin nearly two years ago.

St. Lawrence won last season's bronze medal match against Loyalist 31-15. With three of last year's four semi-finalists still competing in the traditional league, there should be no love loss between these squads.

The traditional league format consists of a double round robin, with each team hosting its other three opponents once. Conveniently, the format parallels the East Division in men's rugby, allowing for women's and men's doubleheaders. The season kicks off Friday, as St. Lawrence hosts Algonquin.

All teams will advance to the post-season, which is a final four format. The first place team hosts the four seed in the semi-finals, while the second place team takes on the third seed. Winning teams advance to the OCAA gold medal match, with losing teams competing for bronze. The higher seed is always the host. The medal matches take place Nov. 5 or 6.

2015-16 SEASON IN REVIEW
Regular Season Champions
East Division: Fleming (6-0-0)
West Division: Humber (5-1-0)

OCAA Medalists
Gold: Fleming
Silver: Humber
Bronze: St. Lawrence-K

OCAA Championship (Hosted by Humber College)
Semi-Finals
Humber* def. St. Lawrence-K 36-19
Fleming* def. Loyalist 43-32

Bronze Medal Final
St. Lawrence-K* def. Loyalist 31-15

Gold Medal Final
Fleming def. Humber* 33-32 (OT)
*Signifies Home Team

Source: OCAA Communications