Women's Rugby | 9/10/2016 7:23:00 PM

LETHBRIDGE, Alberta- The Central Washington University women's rugby team split its two matches against the University of Lethbridge today, falling 41-17 this morning before rallying back to defeat the Pronghorns 35-29 in the afternoon.  
 
Highlighting the first game of the afternoon for Central was junior Fumie Reyes. Reyes gave tremendous effort throughout the game, tallying three tries for the Wildcats.
 
The Wildcats would succumb to the Pronghorns 41-17.
 
"Good first half, both teams came out strong," CWU head coach Mel Denham said. "We played different combinations and had freshmen and transfer players stepping up in all positions, including transfer Hannah Fallon who started at flanker. Sophomore Paige Wyatt started at fullback and was a great general covering the backfield. In the second half we let up on pressure, which is a lesson we took into the second game."
 
The Wildcats responded well in the second match of the afternoon with a more balanced attack and strong defensive performance. 
 
Leading Central's scoring effort in the second match was Samantha Pinson, Rosalind Pena, Carrie Vailllancourt, Ashlee Byrge, Michel Navarro, Asinate Serevi and Yana Manoa, each scoring a try.
 
"Lethbridge brought strong defensive pressure and gaps to exploit were scarce," Denham explained. "Securing our rucks and quick ball allowed us to build multiple phases and get the ball outside of their line to take advantage of space wide. In the final minute of the game we were up by one point and held on to the ball to finish the game with a final try."


The Wildcats will look ahead to its home opener against Army on Sept. 24.