Bishop Smith Catholic High School kicked off its senior girls rugby season Tuesday with a convincing 48-0 win over Madawaska Valley District High School.

The Crusaders leapt out to an early lead, seizing control of the game right from the start, and never relinquished it despite a determined effort by the Wolves to turn things around.

Sarah Ritz scored three tries for the Crusaders, while her teammate Amy Pickering scored a pair of tries.

Rounding out the scoring with a try apiece were Shanna Harrington, Teighan Gorr and Ashley Roesner.

Bishop Smith’s next home game is Thursday, Oct. 4, starting at 1 p.m., when they host Arnprior District High School.

stephen.uhler@sunmedia.ca