Women's Rugby Set for NIRA Tier II Semifinal Clash at Davenport
GRAND RAPIDS, Mi.- The West Chester University women's rugby program is finishing its preparations for its National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) Tier II semifinals at Davenport on Saturday at 10 a.m.
THE MATCHUP
West Chester and Davenport renew acquaintances for the second time this season in a rematch of the Tier II semifinals from a season ago. The Golden Rams and Panthers have met three times since the 2021 season, including a semifinal clash a season ago, which saw Davenport escape with a 57-7 victory over the Golden Rams. Earlier this season, West Chester returned to Grand Rapids and fell to its hosts by a 155-6 final in the Golden Rams first tier II matchup of the season.
FLOCK TALK
West Chester enters the postseason with a record of 2-5 overall and 2-4 in league action, earning victories over Frostburg State (37-12) and New Haven (87-0) to earn its spot in the NIRA postseason once again in 2023. This appearance marks the Golden Rams fourth consecutive NIRA Tier II Tournament appearance, dating back to the 2019 season when West Chester won the Tier II National Championship. Brooke Crago (Moon Township, Pa./Moon Township) enters the postseason with the team lead in trys, scoring four on the season, while Katie Wallenburg (Marlton, N.J./Cherokee) and Ty Hickey (Harleysville, Pa./Souderton) rank in a tie for second on the team with three each. Freshman Emma Davies (Kennett Square, Pa./Kennett) has led the team in conversions throughout the year, successfully kicking six on the year, while Hickey has converted six as well to help lead the Golden Ram offense throughout the season.
SCOUTING DAVENPORT
Davenport enters as the top seed in the postseason, finishing the regular season unbeaten with a record of 6-0, outscoring opponents 500-42 throughout the regular season, including a 102-0 victory over New Haven late in the regular season. Ashley Cowdrey has been the top scorer for Davenport throughout the season, accounting for double-digit points in each of the Panthers last four games, including a 32-point (two trys and 11 conversions) in the matchup against WCU earlier this season. Cowdrey ended the regular season with three trys and a conversion in the 64-17 victory over AIC on Saturday, October 28.
WITH A WIN
With a victory, West Chester would advance to the finals of the NIRA Tier II Tournament, marking the Golden Rams first Championship match appearance since the 2021 season when AIC edged the team in a tremendous battle.
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