Box Score
CHARLESTON, Ill. – West Chester completed a dramatic come-from-behind victory to capture the first NCAA Women’s Rugby contest between two varsity programs, 20-19, and Lakeshore Field Saturday afternoon.
In its season opener on this historic occasion, West Chester fell behind early by a 12-0 score. However, a spirited effort allowed the Golden Rams to climb back into fray at 19-12 with three minutes to play in the second half, putting the visitors in position to steal the first NCAA contest in the sport’s history.
Eastern Illinois (2-1) dropped its first tilt of the 2007 campaign as a result of the loss.
“We dominated in almost every facet of the game,” West Chester head coach Tony DeRemer said. “We won almost every scrum and every lineout. (Eastern Illinois) was very fast, and that was how they scored their points.”
Golden Rams’ All-American Katy Black registered two trys, which pulled West Chester to within striking distance, 12-10. Whitney Hartshorne’s try with 19 minutes, 30 seconds remaining in the second half propelled the visitors into the lead for the first time at 15-12.
That is when Panthers’ leading scorer Samantha Manto recorded a try, and Victoria Rosales’ converted the point after to put Eastern Illinois back on top at 19-15.
West Chester’s Sasha Stauffer capped the see-saw second half battle with a try with just under five minutes remaining to put the Golden Rams in front for good, 20-19.
The Golden Rams had driven down the field, but stalled deep in Eastern Illinois’ end. The Panthers, who had experienced little success in scrums all day, shot the ball out of the back end of the ensuing get-together. However, the ball scooted over EIU’s try line, and Stauffer leaped on the loose ball for the score.
The hosts threatened in the game’s waning moments. However, West Chester’s defense held, and the Golden Rams preserved the win with a crucial stop near the end.
“Today was everything you could have asked for in terms of promoting our sport,” DeRemer said. “It was an exciting game that went back-and-forth. I think the people and the media there were treated to a really exciting match.”
