ELLENBURG, Wash. (MAR. 9) – The Central Washington University women's rugby team hosted the Brigham Young University Cougars in their final home fixture. The Wildcats celebrated senior day in style, as they caged the Cougars 42-12 on Saturday.
"Probably our most complete performance of the year," CWU head coach
Trevor Richards said. "We are trying to peak at the right time which is March, which is when playoffs are. Heading into playoffs this was a massive game for us to get off to the right start."
The Wildcats (2-4) snagged their first try just five minutes into the game.
Suiluana Sooialo A'au took the ball and bowled through a handful of Cougar defenders to give the Wildcats a 5-0 lead. Central's defense started out just as hot as their offense and gave the Cougars little to no room to do anything.
The Wildcats were able to take the ball away and went on to capitalize.
Lauren Odette was able to get the ball past the try line to increase the Wildcat lead to 10-0. Central continued to put pressure on the ball on the defensive side and continuously moved the ball down the pitch each possession.
Mae Sagapolu got in on the scoring after she ran through a pair of BYU defenders and with the help of one of her teammates was able to dive in for her first try of the game.
Olivia Kauahi got in on the action with a try of her own after snagging a loose ball and flying down the sideline into the corner for her first try.
Spencer Boldt also got her first try in the game in the first half after some smooth passing from the Wildcat offense allowed her to walk the ball in for a try. The Wildcats led 25-0 at halftime.
The second half picked up right where they left off.
Leah Marie Ingold was able to take the ball away from a BYU player and then ran past everyone on the field. She collected her first try of the game. Ingold would make the conversion kick, putting the Wildcats up 32-5.
At the 58
thminute mark the Wildcat defense made an impressive effort keeping the Cougars out of the try zone even though they were just meters away. Central was able to take the ball away and march down the field.
Sui A'au was able to drag a pair of defenders with her for her second try of the match. The score stood at 37-5 at the 64
thminute after. Both teams went quiet after this for about six minutes when the Cougars were able to grab their second try of the game. The Cougars trailed the Wildcats 37-12.
Maryjane Pasioles sealed the deal in the 76
thminute when she gets her first try off of a restart and blew past the Cougar defense to make it a 42-12 Wildcat lead. Coach Richards credit several players for their outstanding performance in Saturday's contest.
"Ingold had a great game as well," Richards said. "Just kind of moving the troops around the field and accessing space.
Bianca Ortiz-Pallen did a great job at the forward and was our forward of the match. She was just flying in on tackles and just did a great job making a nuisance of herself. Our back of the match was
Spencer Boldt no question. She did a phenomenal job popping up in the right spots."
Today also marked the final time that five Wildcats would take the pitch at Tomlinson Stadium in the Crimson and Black. Coach Richards praised the senior class for their contributions to the program.
"The seniors have been phenomenal," Richards said. "It's sad to see them go but I am excited to see what they do for their next step. It's going to be big shoes to fill. A couple of them have been here and really set the tone and the culture so they will be missed for sure."
