Valkyries' running back Julie Paetsch

The Valkyries are the first-ever female tackle football team in Saskatoon since joining the Western Women’s Canadian Football League this year. As of June 12, they sit at the top of their conference — the Prairie Conference — with a 3-0 record.

“We’re doing well and we’re getting better every game,” said Valkyries defensive back Gillian Allen. “I wouldn’t call it domination just yet but that’s what we’re hoping for.”

The Valkyries’ previous victories were 56-6 and 42-2 wins against the Regina Riot.

Sunday’s win, which guarantees that the Valkyries will host a playoff game, came against another much weaker opponent, the Nomad-Wolf Pack.

“We’re drawing from younger, serious athletes whereas other teams are only drawing from an older demographic,” said Allen, who returned two kicks for touchdowns during the game including one 93-yard return. “There are a bunch of hockey, basketball and rugby girls who have an athletic background on our team.”

Valkyries head coach Jeff Yausie hopes that his team’s play will improve the league’s quality of play.

“I think when you see the success we’re having it will help other teams to recruit other elite athletes,” he said. “I’ve already seen messages on other team’s websites saying, ‘Come on, we’ve got to get out and compete against these basketball players.'”

The WWCFL is Western Canada’s first-ever women’s tackle football league. It is made up of seven teams from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

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photos: Raisa Pezderic/The Sheaf