ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington women's rugby team (4-4) secured a 22-20 victory against the BYU Cougars (3-5) in a Senior Day showdown at Steve Hertling Field in Tomlinson Stadium.

"It feels good to get back in the winning column after the past two weeks. Wish things went a little smoother out there, but that's why we play the game," CWU Head Women's Rugby Coach Matt Ramirez said. "Full credit to Coach Whippy and his BYU squad. We knew they would come out firing and they did just that, putting up points and answering when we scored to keep the lead. We got caught in some penalty trouble, and again, playing with the ball in spots we shouldn't. Happy the seniors were able to get that win in front of their friends and families."

BYU took the lead first, scoring at the 18-minute mark and taking a 7-0 advantage. CWU swiftly retaliated, with Lauren DiPasquale scoring after an overthrow by the BYU hooker 5 meters from the line at the 23-minute mark, narrowing the score to 7-5. However, BYU swiftly countered with a try at the 28-minute mark, leveraging their speed on the outside to extend their lead to 12-5. At the 34-minute mark, following a CWU penalty, BYU elected to kick a penalty goal, increasing their lead to 15-5. CWU mounted a response, with Jessica Postle scoring a try by peeling off a maul and finding the line at the 38-minute mark, reducing BYU's lead to 15-10 as halftime approached.

Shortly after the start of the second half, BYU increased their lead to 20-10 with a try; however, that marked the end of the Cougars' scoring endeavors. Central Washington seized the momentum, notching a try in the 51st minute as Lilly Thomas touched down in the corner following quick hands from Kai Brandt-Templeton, narrowing the deficit to 20-15. Central continued their resurgence, earning a penalty try in the 58th minute, propelling them into the lead with a scoreline of 22-20.

Looking ahead, Coach Ramirez said "The focus these next two weeks is to sit down and rework how we can be more effective. I have to reflect on what our trainings looked like this week, and the message given to the players, and what needs to be done to provide more clarity."