Women's Rugby | 10/14/2015 1:55:00 PM

ELLENSBURG, Wash. (Oct. 14) – The Central Washington University women's rugby team will travel East this weekend to play a pair of matches versus Norwich University, Saturday (Oct. 17) and Quinnipiac University, Sunday (Oct. 18).

"We are expecting quality competition from two top-ranked varsity programs," Head coach Mel Denham said. "We are excited for the competitive matches in which the team can develop under pressure."

Norwich University is currently 2-3 in the fall season and are coming off an impressive 122-7 win at Sacred Heart University last weekend.

"Norwich has some size in their forward pack and a couple speedy experienced backs," Denham added about the Wildcats' Saturday matchup.

The Wildcats are coming off an impressive win of their own in which they downed local rugby power, the Seattle Saracens, 35-24 last weekend on the Wildcat Rugby Pitch. Jennifer Johnson scored twice in the win while Katerina Long converted 3-of-3 penalty kicks in the first half.

Sunday's matchup against Quinnipiac will be a rematch of last season's thriller that saw the Wildcats come from behind to win 22-17.

"Quinnipiac is strong and fit, and very athletic as seen in our last match against them," Denham said. "The game will be played for the full 80 minutes."

Both matches will begin at noon on their respective days.

"We are looking to build on the foundation we've set, and implement our attack and defense under pressure," Denham said. "Also, we will be able to practice a quick recovery between match which is great."