Women’s Rugby falls to #1 ranked Norwich University in Regional Final Heartbreaker
2 weeks after getting dominated in the second half on the way to a 27-7 loss in the New England Championship against Norwich University (11-0 NE), The Women’s Rugby (9-2) team took the field with revenge on their mind. “We knew we could play with them, and our expectations were to beat them going into the game,” commented Head Coach Derek Jenesky, “We felt we did hadn’t put forth our best effort yet this year, including in the first battle against them, and were waiting to see it.”
See it they did. With both sidelines lined with huge throngs of supporters, the crowd atmosphere easily matched the intensity on the field. The underdog Stonehill team drew first blood when Senior Laura Fischer slotted a penalty kick from 15 meter out for a 3-0 lead. The cadets would quickly respond, scoring two tries 4 minutes apart for a 10-3 lead as both teams settled in to their game plans. Defense and hard hitting took over, and two more Fischer Penalty kicks, in the 22nd and 35th minute closed the gap to 1 at 10-9 heading in to the break. “We were right where we were two weeks earlier, basically tied at the half, we really felt at that moment it was our game” added Jenesky.
The second half would produce more bruising physical rugby, and louder crowd support. In the 21st minute Norwich’s flanker crashed through the defense for a converted try under the posts and a 17-9 lead. The ladies continued to fight however, and unlike two weeks ago, rallied with desire. Senior Olivia Gorab dove through the defense to score an unconverted try with 8 minutes remaining and the lead was down to 17-14. That is where it would stand however as repeated forays into the defensive in were continually met by stout tackling and tactical kick clearing, and at the Final whistle Norwich had turned the double over the ladies. “Couldn’t be prouder of a team” finished Jenesky,” We showed so much heart and courage today, it was great to watch. It was our best game played to date and really sets us up for a run at the national title.”
The ladies will take the 2nd seed out of the Northeast and wait for their opponent and venue at the 2011 Division II National Sweet Sixteen in April. For more coverage on the match check out rugbymag.com’s article