Stanford Women Too Strong for Navy

This article is from Stanford women's rugby website

http://rugby.stanford.edu/

Stanford 40, Navy 20
 
Stanford came out today to face the Navy Goats, who had bested Texas A&M to make it to the USA Rugby National Guard Collegiate Club Championships at Stanford.

The first half got off to a slow start with lots of close forward play and multiple penalties and other infractions slowing the pace of the game. Navy notched the first points as they kicked from a penalty after spending several minutes in Stanford's 22, unsuccessfully trying to punch it in for a try.

Minutes later, Stanford answered with a try from freshman center Jennifer Cooperrider. The slow pace of play continued, but Stanford fullback Jessica Watkins managed to bring in another try in the corner before the halftime whistle blew. The score was 12-3 at the half.

The second half began with back and forth play, as Navy scored twice to take the lead at 15-12. Stanford answered with a try as fullback Jessica Watkins took the ball around the outside and won in a foot race against Navy's back 3. Watkins notched another try, and with successful conversions from flyhalf Melissa Smit,

Stanford took the lead again with a score of 26-15. Navy dove on a dropped ball in the Stanford try zone for another try, but missed the conversion to bring their tally up to 20. Stanford held them at that for the rest of the game, finally kicking into gear and getting the ball to Watkins for two more tries. Tight head prop Rachel Danford capped the game off as she broke Navy's midfield defense and brought the ball in for a try in the center. Smit was good for all of the conversions in the second half, including some spectacular kicks from near touch, bringing the final score to 40-20.

Stanford will face perennial rivals Penn State in the title match tomorrow, May 3, at 3pm at Stanford's Steuber Stadium.