HAMDEN, Conn.- The Central Washington University women's rugby team lost a hard fought match to NIRA rival Quinnipiac University by a score of 29-24 Sunday morning at the Quinnipiac Rugby Field.
 
The Wildcats fall to 3-3 on the season and 2-1 in NIRA play, while Quinnipiac improves to 6-2 overall and 5-2 in conference action.

"It was a tough match today," CWU interim head coach Trevor Richards said. "Quinnipiac looked a bit more dynamic than a couple of weeks ago and they exploited a couple of defensive errors in the first half. We battled back in the second half and were knocking on their front door for what felt like most of the half. Quinnipiac defended well, but it was clear that we were gassed from playing on Friday night."

"Our execution wasn't totally there at times but there were plenty of positives to take away from this," Richards continued. "This has been great preparation for playoffs and we will absolutely learn and grow from this weekend. I'm proud of the shift our ladies put in today and I'm grateful for their physicality and their drive to improve after successes and setbacks. I'm also really thankful to the fans that came out to support us. They made themselves heard and I know our team appreciated it."
 
Sunday's loss marks Central's first-ever regular season loss to the Bobcats. The Wildcats were previously 4-0 all-time against Quinnipiac in the regular season, including a 31-22 decision earlier this season.
 
Four Wildcats recorded tries in the match including: Michel Navarro, Suiluana A'au, Ashley Rolsma and Kayla Postula. With Sunday's try, A'au continues her impressive streak of reaching the try zone in every match this season. She has totaled 10 tries to lead the Wildcats.
 
Senior Emma Leonard capitalized on two conversions in Sunday's contest.
 
The Wildcats will return to the friendly confines of the Wildcat Rugby Pitch next Saturday, Oct. 28 when the play host to Brigham Young University at 11 a.m.
 
-CWU-