On September 17, 2022, the Mary Washington Women's Rugby team travelled to George Washington University in Washington D.C. Due to a last-minute change in venue, the match was played on a turf field, without goal posts. Therefore, no tries were converted.
On the opening kickoff, UMW easily advanced down the field. However, a turnover and UMW players out of position resulted in a GW player running 70 meters down the field to score, just 3 minutes into the match. Following the next kickoff, UMW again played well in the open field. This time they were able to minimize their errors and at the 14-minute mark, winger Charmaine Spencer scored, make it 5-5. For the next ten minutes, the game went back and forth. Mary Washington appeared to be stronger in the breakdowns, but their lack of aggressive defense benefited GW. At 24 minutes into the match, GW was able to score their second try. The next 15 minutes saw a lot of possession by UMW and with no time remaining in the first half, flyhalf Kayla Zegada was able to tie the match at 10 each.
At the start of the second half, the UMW defense let down their guard, allowing GW to again score just 3 minutes into a half, giving GW a 15-10 advantage. However, this was the turning point of the match. The third GW try was a wakeup call for UMW. The attack and defensive efforts of UMW intensified. Picking the ball off the back of a ruck, flanker Carrie Garvey ran several meters down the field, tying the match 15-15 at the 50-minute mark. Just 9 minutes later, Garvey was able to duplicate her previous efforts, again picking the ball off the back of another ruck, and putting UMW into the lead, 20-15. On the next kickoff, a GW turnover resulted in a UMW attack close to the GW goal. In her first ever rugby match, winger Aria Clements was able to bring the ball into the corner of the goal, lifting UMW's lead to 25-15. With just 15 minutes left, it was obvious both teams were getting tired. However, UMW still maintained the majority of possession, playing stronger rugby. With two minutes remaining, UMW pulled off the best try of the match. After a series of rucks and mauls broke apart the GW defense, UMW was able to swing the ball across the field, setting up winger Nicole Bozek for her first ever UMW try. The final score was 30-15.
On September 24, Mary Washington will host Howard University. This will be the first time the two teams have ever played each other.