ELLENSBURG, Wash.— The Central Washington Women's Rugby team fell to the Life University Running Eagles 29-20 in the D1A Semi-final playoff match today.
QUOTABLE
"Hats off to Life for a tough match, they are deserved winners. Our ladies battled hard and showed glimpses of what they are capable of when all cylinders are firing but ultimately the culmination of little mistakes at key points let us down." Said CWU Head Coach
Trevor Richards. "It's an incredibly disappointing end to what has been a great season, but the coaching staff is immensely proud of the squad, especially after battling back in the 2
nd half. A big thank you goes out to our three seniors. Their leadership has been essential in the shaping of this very young team. Now we reflect, we review, we celebrate what was achieved, and we figure out how we're going to be better so that this doesn't happen again."
ACTION FROM THE PITCH
The Wildcats came out of the gate playing strong and fast. The 'Cats defense was able to hold the Running Eagles at the try line after an injury left them down a player for a few minutes. The Running Eagles broke open the scoring early however, with tries in the eleventh and eighteenth minute. Missed conversions on both tries had the 'Cats trailing 10-0.
A huge run by
Tessa Hann clearing over forty yards gave the 'Cats their first offensive threat of the match. Alycia Namosimaulua dropped her shoulder and fought through three defenders for the successful try. Unfortunately, a missed conversion was all the scoring for the 'Cats as they trailed 10-5. In the thirty second minute a Sin Bin put the 'Cats down for the majority remaining of the first half. The 'Cats defense was able to hold the line up until the thirty-nineth minute when the Running Eagles broke through for another try. This time followed with a successful conversion put the Running Eagles up 17-5 at the half.
The 'Cats came full-attack out of the gate after half time. A breakaway by
Abby Nichols allowed her to move the ball within range of the try line. The 'Cats quick offense were able to offload to
Maryjane Pasioles for the successful try along the touch line. The 'Cats unable to make another conversion but cut the lead 17-10. Without wasting time, it was
Lauren Odette for the 'Cats who after a big tackle by
Spencer Boldt was able to reach it in for the try. After an unsuccessful conversion the 'Cats only trailed by a two, 17-15.
After another successful try and conversion for the Running Eagles it was
Mikayla Roberts with a successful try to keep the 'Cats in it 24-20. The 'Cats offense was unable to keep pushing ball. Another try and conversion by the Running Eagles in the eightieth minute would seal the game.
The Wildcats fell 29-20 to the Life Running Eagles.
The Wildcats will now prepare for their fall 2021 season.
