On Saturday September 16, the UMW Women's Rugby team hosted Geroge Washington. It was the first league match of the season for both teams.
The first quarter of the match saw most of the play between the 22-metre lines. The majority of the possession was Geroge Washington's, as UMW dropped several balls. Additionally, the lack of defensive pressure from UMW allowed GW to recycle the ball more often. A break for UMW came at the 19-minute mark when Carrie Garvey ('24) stole the ball from a GW attacker and ran for a 50-meter try. Converting the try was Libby "Turbo" York ('24), making the score 7-0. Unfortunately, just 7 minutes later, GW broke for a long run, scored and converted a try, tying it at 7-7. Over the next ten minutes UMW's offensive line began to settle, often moving the ball down field. The UMW forwards began to improve their ability to clear defenders at the breakdowns. At 34 minutes, Grace Williams ('24) received the ball and barreled 5-meters through GW defenders, giving UMW their second try of the match. With momentum on their side, Garvey was able to capitalize again, scoring a try just before the half. With Turbo making the conversion, UMW ended the half with a 19-7 lead.
At the start of the second half, GW came out determined to erase UMW's lead. They quickly brought the ball downfield. Mary Washington committed a penalty 10 meters outside the goal area. GW quickly took the tap and scored, making it a one score game at 19-12. The try was a wake-up call for UMW. Mary Washington quickly returned to the style they were playing at the end of the first half. Mary Washington controlled the ball and breakdowns. In the next 20 minutes tries were added by Garvey at the 48th and 53rd minute. At the 60-minute mark, Nyah Speicher ('26) scored. Three minutes later, rookie Theresa Oetgen ('27) charged by a number of defenders for a 60 meter try. Turbo was able to convert 2 of the tries. With about 15 minutes remaining, the score stood at 43-12 in UMW's favor. One last effort by GW, with 5 minutes remaining, resulted in a try for the visitors. Unable to convert, the final score was 43-17.
On Saturday September 23, UMW will play in another league match, hosting American University. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 am.