Thunderbirds reach third straight U SPORTS Final after conquering host Gryphons

GUELPH, Ont. (U SPORTS) — Adia Pye scored two tries as the No.8-seed UBC Thunderbirds overcame a second-half red card to defeat the No.4-seed Guelph Gryphons 22-10 Friday in the semifinals of the 2026 U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship at Alumni Stadium. The victory sends UBC to Sunday’s gold-medal game against Victoria, where the Thunderbirds will attempt to capture their third consecutive national championship. It will be the fourth meeting between the Canada West rivals this season, with the Vikes having won all three previous encounters. Guelph opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Amanda Sarabura kicked a penalty…