WSU player tackled in Cal State Northridge game. Photo courtesy of the WSU Women’s Rugby Club
STANFORD, Calif. – The Washington State University women’s rugby team took the first two rounds of the USA Rugby Women’s Division II College Playoffs by storm Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22, at Stanford University. In the first round against Cal State Northridge, the WSU women left no doubt, winning 103-0.
WSU coach Leah Hammon said, “The girls moved the ball well, and found a good offensive rhythm early. Ultimately we were able to wear CSUN down with our ability to spread the field and diversify our attack. Nonetheless, I was impressed with Northridge’s physicality around the breakdown. They put good pressure on our forwards all game, and I think they’re building towards something special. This is their first year together, and I’m impressed with what they’ve been able to do in their debut season.”
In the second round, WSU defeated the University of Wyoming, 34-7.
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“It took us a little longer Sunday to settle down and start playing our game, but once we did, we got into a good rhythm,” said Lacey England, team trainer and injured player.
Wyoming did not score until the 80th minute (last minute) of the game.
RugbyMac.com has an article on the second game titled “Alexis Bonney key to Wazzu victory.”
Having won the Pacific region playoffs, WSU has qualified to play in the May 11 national Division II college quarterfinals against Norwich University, also to be played at Stanford. If successful, WSU will play in the championship game on May 12.
The Norwich Cadets defeated Vassar 36-0 in their quarterfinal game played Sunday at Princeton, N.J.
“All of the teams in the final four are strong; we look forward to moving on and facing the challenge,” said England.
Other teams in the quarterfinals include Shippensburg and Winona State. Shippensburg won the DII championship in 2008 and 2009. WSU wond the DII championship in 2010. Click on the following link to see past DII winners.
Financial support needed
Although the WSU team has earned the right to compete in the quarterfinals of the national playoffs, they are in need to financial support to get there.
The WSU rugby team is a sports club. As such, it has to raise most of its own financial support. To do that they have been hiring themselves out for miscellaneous jobs in the Pullman area.
The team has spent virtually all its finances on travel to the regional playoffs April 11-12, and the first two rounds of nationals April 21-22.
Interested supporters in the Pullman and WSU community can donate to the women’s rugby team at http://womensrugby.wsu.edu/donate.
