Women's Rugby | 10/29/2016 4:15:00 PM

ELLENSBURG, Wash.- The Central Washington University women's rugby team defeated the Washington State Cougars 36-7 Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats are now 4-0 defending the Wildcat Rugby Pitch and 7-2 overall this season.

"It was fantastic today to see new combinations of players step up to a quality WSU side and play together as a team," CWU head coach Mel Denham said. "With the work and focus everyone has been putting in all season, I had faith in a positive result. Having it be senior day definitely made it a little more sweet."

 Ashley Rolsma wasted no time getting the Wildcats on the board. The junior wing caught an offload from Paige Wyatt and rushed her way to the try zone for a quick five points.

A few minutes later the Wildcats added to the score line. Junior Tammy Hess broke through the Cougar defense and went over the try line for her only try of the day. Emma Leonard made the conversion attempt to extend Central's lead to 12-0.

The Wildcats rounded out their first half scoring when Fumie Reyes found the try line in the 34th minute.

The Wildcats went into the break with a 17-0 lead.

Washington State struck first early in the second half, reducing CWU's lead to 17-7.

Central responded in the 58th minute. Leonard capitalized on a WSU turnover in their own try zone when she pounced on the ball to record a CWU try. She then notched her second conversion of the match to secure a 24-7 lead.

Sophomore Kalyn Denalsky punched the ball in in the 62nd minute after a hard fought goal line stand by the Cougars.

Rolsma capped off Central's scoring attack when she broke away down the right side of the field to score a try in the 75th minute.

"Nicole Trejo-Valli was superb on defense today." Denham said. "She was positioned well in the line, making tackle after tackle. The team executed our systems seamlessly, which is what earned the victory today in a hard fought game. We are very proud of the growth and teamwork displayed today. It's a great vibe moving into post seasons and playoffs."

Central Wash. Tries: Rolsma (17', 75'), Hess (25'), Reyes (34'), Leonard (58'), Denalsky (62')
Central Wash. Conversions: Leonard (4)

-CWU-