ELLENSBURG, Wash.—The Central Washington Women's Rugby team hosts Life University and the Running Eagles for the Women's D1A Elite Semi-final playoff match.
MATCH INFORMATION
Saturday, April 17th
12:00 PM
Vs Life University
Tomlinson Stadium
Ellensburg, WA
WATCH
QUOTABLE
"These last few weeks of not playing have been vital to our semi-final preparation in allowing our players to recover from a tough five-week campaign and while focusing on the finer details of our game. While it was unfortunately not enough time for a couple of injuries to heal up, the rest of the squad is looking sharp and ready to play." Said CWU Head Coach Trevor Richards.
SCOUTING THE RUNNING EAGLES
The Running Eagles finished their season 1-3, with a 1st place spot at the Tropical 7's tournament in Orlando, Florida. The Running Eagles fell to the Wildcats in both team's final regular season match, 10-5.
In the 10-5 matchup vs the 'Cats, it was the Running Eagles combo of Kate Buzby and Malery Billingly that broke through the defense to give them the score.
Both teams fought an extremely defensive game the remainder of the match.
PREPARING FOR SUCCESS
"Without going into specific details, a big focus in refining our strategy is being better at seeing and accessing space. We are a very confrontational team, but we need to do better at finding the path of least resistance and ultimately playing smarter rugby. Additionally, while we put forth a good defensive effort in our previous encounter with Life, we know that we can be stronger in our tackling and more disciplined in executing our system. It'll be a monumental challenge for our team as undoubtedly Life will be coming in hot, but we are excited for the opportunity and know that our ladies will give absolutely everything, like the absolute warriors that they are." Said CWU head Coach Trevor Richards.
REGULAR SEASON 'CATS
The Wildcats closed out their regular season 4-1. The 'Cats offense has had no shortage of scoring ability this season. Against Life previously, it was Kayla Guyton and Haley Abeyta who gave the 'Cats their only scores of the match.
Sammy Stern and Tessa Hann led the offense this year each recording seven tries through the five matches played.
Kai Brandt-Templeton has been the 'Cats leg at the kicking tee. She was 19/25 from the kicking tee on conversions for the year.
Haley Abeyta takes the third spot offensively for the 'Cats with three tries herself.
Alycia Namosimalua, Spencer Boldt, Georgia Budd, Heaven Bruce, and Mikayla Roberts have all posted two tries for the 'Cats, Roberts has kicked one conversion as well.
Maryjane Pasioles, Kayla Guyton, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Jherish Moananu and Philomena Namosimalua have all earned a try. Moananu and Sagapolu have kicked a conversion each as well.
COVID DISCLAIMER
Per Washington state, Kittitas County Health Board, and the GNAC spectators will not be allowed at events. Schedules are subject to change at any time pending decisions from the health board and other local and regional authorities.
