Gold for QUT Tigers at Uni Games

18 teams from across Australia gathered on the Gold Coast for the 2018 Division 1 University Games. 

Bond University, the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the University of Queensland (UQ) were flying the flag for Queensland during the four-day competition. 

In the men's competition, QUT were looking to defend their 2017 title. An early loss in the pool rounds put the pressure on QUT as they headed into the crossovers to face the University of Newcastle. The QUT Tigers stormed out to an early lead and a comfortable win to reach the semi-finals where they would face the University of Sydney. It was a close, physical encounter for the Tigers but the side held their nerve to get the win and headed into the finals. UQ also reached the semi-finals, having won against a strong Melbourne side in the elimination rounds. With two Queensland sides in the semi-finals, the stage was set for a potential all Queensland Grand Final. 

However, a dominate University of New South Wales side dashed the chance of an all Queensland final, beating UQ in their semi-final, 11-4. In the other semi-final, QUT got the crucial win against USYD and look set to defend their 2017 title. The bronze medal match between UQ and USYD was an entertaining game with both sides looking to enjoy their last game on the Gold Coast. It was a close game between the two sides but USYD kept their cool and held onto their lead to win bronze. 

UNSW unleashed their power players in the finals, rocketing early goals against QUT to get the early lead. In defence, UNSW was rock solid and QUT struggled to find the back of the net and close the gap on the NSW side. Final score 11-3 to UNSW. 

In the women's competition, QUT had their eyes set on gold. Racking up more than 65 goals in the pool stages, the side went into the semi-finals full of confidence. The well-drilled side stormed to victory against UNSW with a 17-2 win. The Tigers would face the Australian Catholic University (ACU) after their 5-4 win against the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). 

Nothing separated the two sides in the finals and both sides struggled to break either's defence. However, QUT broke the stalemate early in the third quarter and held onto their narrow lead, eventually winning 4-3 and their first Uni Games title. 

Congratulations to all athletes, coaches, volunteers, and referees on a fantastic tournament. 

OVERALL STANDINGS