Categories: Women's

Women’s Division A Quarterfinals Preview

Women’s Division A Quarterfinals Preview

Tuesday, August 5 at Complexe CN (2)

The Women’s Division A playoffs kick off with two explosive quarterfinal matchups that promise intense action. With the top-seeded Subzero and second-seeded Cayenne enjoying first-round byes, four teams battle for the right to advance to the semifinals.

Game 1: #4 Matrix vs #5 BLEU POUD (9:15 PM)

The Matchup

This clash features two Quarterbacks who have tremendous momentum. Matrix (5-5) and BLEU POUD (4-5-1) split the regular season series, setting up what could be the most entertaining game of the playoffs.

Matrix Keys to Victory

Quarterback Élisabeth Ashkar has been a model of consistency all season long, throwing for 1,401 yards and 20 touchdowns with an impressive 98.7 passer rating. Now, she enters the playoffs riding the momentum of an incredible run at the Canadian Flag Nationals — a performance that further solidified her status as one of the premier QBs in the country. Her ability to distribute the ball effectively will be key once again, especially when targeting Abigaelle Perrault, who has been a dominant two-way threat. Perrault leads the league with 46 tackles and has added 347 receiving yards, making her an essential piece on both sides of the ball.

X-Factor: Anne-Frédérique Tardif could be the difference-maker. With 326 yards receiving, she provides a reliable secondary option when BLEU POUD focuses on stopping Perrault. Look for Matrix to use quick slants and crossing routes to exploit BLEU POUD’s aggressive defense.

Defensive Game Plan: Matrix must contain Emmanuelle Bronsard’s explosive arm. Justine Coté (30 tackles, 3 INTs) needs to patrol the middle of the field, while Lea Demers must help bracket Marina Scalzo-Chrétien.

BLEU POUD Keys to Victory

Emmanuelle Bronsard enters as the statistical favorite with league-leading numbers: 1,729 yards, 30 touchdowns, and a stellar 118.9 passer rating. Her connection with Marina Scalzo-Chrétien (425 yards, 10 TDs) has been nearly unstoppable, averaging 14.7 yards per reception.

Playmakers to Watch:

  • Julia Paradis Roberge: With 364 yards and 7 touchdowns, she’s the perfect complement to Scalzo-Chrétien
  • Erika Magini: A reliable third option with 315 yards and 6 scores
  • Audrey Lajoie: The defensive anchor with 37 tackles and a game-changing 6 interceptions

Defensive Strategy: BLEU POUD must pressure Ashkar early. Lajoie’s ball-hawking ability could be the key – forcing Ashkar into uncomfortable throws could swing the game. Penelope Collins (29 tackles, 4 INTs) provides excellent support in coverage.

Prediction: BLEU POUD 35, Matrix 28

Bronsard’s explosive offense proves too much in a shootout. While Matrix keeps it close behind Ashkar’s efficient passing and Perrault’s two-way excellence, BLEU POUD’s superior offensive firepower and Lajoie’s game-sealing interception in the final minutes sends them to the semifinals.

Game 2: #3 Monarchs vs #6 IceCold (10:15 PM)

The Matchup

The nightcap features contrasting styles: Monarchs’ more conservative attack against IceCold’s boom-or-bust aerial assault. IceCold barely squeezed into the playoffs at 3-7, but their high-risk, high-reward offense makes them dangerous.

Monarchs Keys to Victory

Andréanne Cadorette brings playoff experience and efficiency with 1,146 yards, 20 touchdowns, and a steady 99.9 rating. Her avoiding turnovers (just 8 INTs) could be the deciding factor against IceCold’s defense.

Impact Players:

  • Abygael Beauregard: 289 yards and consistent target
  • Sara Maude Harvey: The big-play threat with 425 yards and 9 TDs, averaging 17.0 yards per catch
  • Morgane Le Foll: Possession receiver with 315 yards

Defensive Blueprint: The Monarchs must capitalize on Athena Ryan’s tendency to throw interceptions. Marion Drainville and Rosalie Mailhot need to maintain discipline in coverage while applying consistent pressure.

IceCold Keys to Victory

Athena Ryan is the ultimate wild card – 1,740 yards and 29 touchdowns show her ceiling, but 17 interceptions reveal the floor. When she’s on, IceCold can be unbeatable. When she’s off, games get out of hand quickly.

Offensive Weapons:

  • Ashley Longin: The division’s most dangerous receiver with 555 yards, 10 TDs, and an impressive 15.0 yards per reception
  • Chloe Simard: Reliable target with 310 yards and 6 scores

Defensive Stars:

  • Elodie Lachapelle: The league’s interception leader with 9 picks and 2 defensive touchdowns
  • Sara-eve Asselin: Second in the league with 40 tackles
  • Laeticia Ngaleu: 33 tackles

Path to Victory: IceCold needs to establish Longin early to open up the field. Defensively, Lachapelle must continue her ball-hawking ways – a pick-six could completely change the game’s momentum.

Prediction: Monarchs 27, IceCold 24

In a nail-biter, Monarchs’ edge IceCold’s volatility. Cadorette’s steady hand guides Monarchs through crucial second half possessions, while Ryan’s late interception – seals IceCold’s fate. Sara Maude Harvey catches the game-winning touchdown with under two minutes remaining.

Semifinal Preview

The winners advance to face the well-rested top seeds:

  • BLEU POUD would face #2 Cayenne
  • Monarchs would face #1 Subzero

Both games will be played at Complexe CN (2), with the first game at 9:15 PM and the second at 10:15 PM. The winner of each game advances to the semifinals, where they’ll face the top two seeds who earned first-round byes.