On March 26, 2022, the Mary Washington women's rugby team hosted the College of William & Mary. This game was significant for two reasons. First, with a victory over VCU in the previous week, the UMW Women had assured themselves of a berth into the Capital Conference Playoffs. The match with William & Mary would determine the #1 and #2 teams from the South Division of the Conference. Secondly, several Seniors were honored, as this was going to be their final regular season home match. Graduating from UMW this spring are: Jewelia Garrett, Kayla Smith, Olivia Stuart, and Jules Yerovi. Absent from the day's competition was Victoria Rulapaugh, who finished in the fall.
William & Mary won the coin toss and started with their backs to the wind, hoping to take advantage of the 15 mph breeze and stronger gusts. In the first ten minutes of the match, Mary Washington worked the ball through the center, hoping to find holes in the W&M defense. However, turnovers were costly for UMW and at the 10-minute mark, William & Mary worked the ball down the field and scored. Hitting the upright on the conversion, the score stood at 5-0. William & Mary caught UMW off guard as they again capitalized on several UMW mistakes. Within minutes, W&M was again inside the UMW in-goal area. This time converting the try, making the score 12-0 in William & Mary's favor. On the opening kickoff, Mary Washington worked the ball down the field. Minor miscues by each team had the possession change a few times, but in the end, UMW's Flyhalf Kayla Zegada was able to score, converting the try was prop Libby York. Perhaps UMW became too confident and relaxed, within 4 minutes W&M was able to return the scoring favor, going up 19-7. UMW was struggling with the wind and needed a way to get through the first half without giving up another score. W&M was threatening inside UMW's 22-meter line, when a bad pass led to an interception and 80-meter return. Scoring for UMW was winger Sidney Hughes. Converting again for UMW was Libby York. With the gap at only 19-14, UMW's play stepped-up, as they were able to keep W&M from scoring in the final 6 minutes of the first half.
With the wind now at their backs, UMW was able to open the William & Mary defense with a few kicks. UMW was also able to put pressure on the W&M attack, forcing several turnovers and a few penalties. In the next ten minutes, UMW twice brought the ball into W&M's in-goal area, only to be denied a scoring opportunity as they were prevented from touching down the ball. Finally, being able to take advantage of their momentum, UMW was able to equalize the score at 19-19. Scoring for UMW was inside center Chloe Jackson, with Libby York converting another try. For the next ten minutes, play went back and forth for both teams. W&M tried to clear the ball several times, but the wind never allowed the ball to move more than 20 meters down the field. After 12 minutes of back-and-forth play, UMW lost focus and W&M worked the ball down the field. Two penalties against Mary Washington contributed to the drive by William & Mary. At 62 minutes, W&M regained their lead, scoring and converting a try. The score was now 26-19 in favor of the visitors. On the ensuing kick off, William & Mary turned over the ball, and within 1 minute Mary Washington winger Jules Yerovi turned the corner, but just 3 meters outside the goal area- she was high tackled, and a penalty try was awarded. With Libby York making her third conversation of the afternoon, the score was again tied, this time at 26-26. The momentum appeared to be in UMW's favor. A number of kicks from UMW kept W&M pinned and W&M was unable to get back into and stay in UMW's half of the pitch. With just 6 minutes remaining, UMW attacked the outside back line of W&M. Jules Yerovi again turned the corner and managed to dot down the ball just across the goal line. This time, the conversation was out of reach for UMW, however, for the first time in the match, UMW led. The score was 31-26. W&M took the opening kick down the field. Both teams played at a frantic and sometimes slopy pace. Several errors were forced by both sides. With less than 2 minutes remaining William & Mary found themselves at the UMW's 5-meter line. Several phases of play occurred; inching W&M closer to the goal line. William & Mary saw an opening on the corner of UMW's in-goal area. As the W&M player dove with the ball she crossed the goal line, but was driven out of bounds by UMW. The whistle blew, the game ended, and Mary Washington won 31-26.
The victory by Mary Washington makes them the winner of the Capital Conference South Division. On Apr 9 Mary Washington will play North #2; most likely to face either George Washington University or Howard University.