MARIETTA, Ga.—Central Washington women's rugby saw its national championship hopes dashed on Saturday as the Wildcats suffered a 38-0 loss to Life University in the semifinals of the USA Rugby D1 Elite Playoffs.
 
Despite the lopsided final score, Central's defense held Life in-check for much of the first half. The opening 30 minutes of the contest saw the match headed toward a scoreless draw before the Running Eagles began to come to, well, life.
 
Life closed the half with a flurry of trys and took a 26-0 lead into halftime. The Wildcats never recovered.
 
Despite the loss, first-year CWU head coach Matthew Ramirez was upbeat about his Wildcats and their season.
 
"It's always tough to see the scoreboard look like that," Ramirez said. "Full credit to Life and their staff. But the adversity that we have seen this year has been something else. And only those in the walls of our locker room will understand. And to see them put in a gutsy performance, especially in that first 30 minutes, and see young players step up and veteran players lead the way sets the tone for the future. 
 
"We challenged them at the beginning of the year to charge into any storm we face. And they've done it. I'm unbelievably proud of this group of powerful women for their effort this weekend and well as throughout the 15s season. 
 
"And to the graduating seniors, I thank them for planting the trees knowing they won't sit in that shade. They are leaving the program for others to succeed and achieve. And they set the standard for future Wildcats and will always have an impact on me. 
 
"As for now, it's time to recover, reset and take advantage of our head start on preparation for the National 7s Championships."
 
With the 15s season over, the Wildcats are set to begin play in the USA Rugby 7s College National Championship, May 14-15, in Kennesaw, Ga.