The Marauders women’s rugby team captured a national championship Sunday in Langford, BC.

McMaster beat the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns 24-7 at Westhills Stadium to win its first University Rugby Sevens tournament.

Despite going winless in pool play the Marauders advanced into the knockout phase and beat the Guelph Gryphons 12-10 in the quarter-final game. The team then beat Alberta 35-0 to move to the championship match.

The Marauders got tries from Stephanie Black, Kallyn Jones, Emily Ricketts and Saffara Whitley-Hoffelner. Black also had two conversions.

McMaster All-Canadian Cindy Nelles, who scored four tries in three games, was named Outstanding Player of the Tournament.