Chico State Women’s Collegiate Rugby Team Advances to USA Rugby Round of 16

By: Lela Boshion Crandall

The women’s rugby team earned first place out of four teams in a “play-in” tournament Friday and Saturday.

Chico State and the Brigham Young University Cougars, who placed second, will advance to the Sweet Sixteen playoffs April third and fourth at Stanford, said head coach Alex Triantafyllou.

Friday’s game determined if the Wildcats would enter play-offs or end their season, he said.

“We needed to win this tournament to get the best seed at Sweet Sixteens,” Triantafyllou said. “We started off with intensity and maintained it for two 80 minute games.”

The Wildcats ended the University of Oregon Duck’s season with a 19-7 victory, dominating on offense and maintaining an intimidating, unified defense.

With the Chico heat breaching 75 degrees, the first half ended with fans feeling nervous as the Wildcats led the ducks 12-7, letting the Oregon’s winger squeak past the outside and catch the ‘Cats on their heels.

“Even with that try and conversion Chico was all over them,” said senior Matt Coit, an English major and spectator at the pitch. “The score was a bit close, but Chico won that game without a doubt.”

Senior Jen Madison scored all three trys against the Ducks, trucking through the tackles and sending them to the ground.

“Jen is a powerhouse,” said sophomore Caitlin Fontana. “I’m glad I’m not the one trying to tackle her.”

Freshman Kylie Hahn, who plays inside center, converted two of Madison’s three trys.

The ‘Cats faced BYU in the championship game Saturday.

Chico State led a 22-0 shutout score at half time, playing through rain and intense wind.

“The wind was on our side for the first half, and we took full advantage of it,” said Monie Prieto, flanker and president of the club. “We sent the ball down field as much as possible and wore them out.”

Running a hard offense, Fontana scored within the first ten minutes, with a conversion by Hahn and another try by Madison in minute 24.

Ten minutes shy of half time, Madison scored again deep in the right corner, with a conversion by Hahn.

Six minutes later Ashley Bocast, fullback and team captain, raced outside to score the fourth try of the game.

“They didn’t know what hit ’em,” said coach Mary Triantafyllou. “We really pulled together as a team and played one of our better games this season.”

The Wildcats held the Cougars for the rest of the match and managed to get another try in the 60th minute.

The match ended 27-12.

Both teams will continue into post-season play, but Chico State will play UC Berkeley the first Friday in April at Stanford, while BYU will compete against the number one team in the nation, Stanford University, which beat Chico State March 14.

The fifteen Wildcats walked off the field in mud-strewn red and white jerseys, elated at the opportunity to challenge UC Berkeley and continue their season.

“We can’t wait to play Cal again and show them what Chico rugby is all about,” said senior Marina Hammon-Adams. “They beat us once, and it will be the last time.”

The Wildcats need to win one of their two games at the Sweet Sixteen playoffs to advance to the national tournament in Florida.

Lela Boshion Crandall can be reached at boshioncrandall@hotmail.com