Women's Rugby | 9/28/2016 2:41:00 PM

ELLENSBURG, Wash.- The Central Washington University women's rugby team will travel East this weekend to play a pair of matches versus the Norwich University Cadets Saturday [Oct. 1] and American International College Yellow Jackets on Sunday [Oct. 2].
 
"Both teams were in the NIRA semi-finals last year, and have a history of competitive success in semi-final and final appearances," CWU head coach Mel Denham said. "Our expectation is to continue to grow and develop our game and decision making around the field, and also to practice our travel skills."
 
The Wildcats are coming off an impressive 63-17 win against Army. True freshman Suiluana A'au highlighted Central's performance with a career-high six tries and three clean breaks on the day. The Wildcat's balanced attack also featured Yana Manoa, Jennifer Johnson, Carrie Vaillancourt and Michel Navarro recording tries.
 
"Sui is a team first athlete who is respectful of all, and driven to succeed in everything she does," Denham said. "Being surrounded by other great rugby athletes, her natural talents are highlighted and her game is coming alive. Rugby is a team sport where combinations and chemistry are a factor, and Sui is a team first player; she embraces and enjoys being part of a whole, and is constantly learning from everyone around her. She is transitioning well to the college game as a freshman."
 
Norwich enters Saturday's match with the hopes of revenging their 66-17 home loss against the Wildcats a year ago. Central Washington rallied behind the play of Cassidy Myers, who rattled off four tries in the match.
 
Norwich University is currently 1-3 on the season and are coming off a 44-21 loss at American International College last weekend.
 
American International College also enters its matchup against CWU with a 1-3 record. Recently defeating Norwich at home for their first win of the season, the Yellow Jackets hope to use this new momentum to defend their home pitch once again. 
 
Saturday's match is scheduled to kickoff at 11 a.m. in Northfield, Vermont, followed by a 12 p.m. game on Sunday in Springfield, Mass.