WEST CHESTER, PA – Wissler scored a try, and McDowell scored a try and conversion, but host West Chester (1-7) could not hold off visiting Long Island University (4-2) in a women's rugby match Sunday afternoon on South Campus.
West Chester University celebrated its seven seniors at home Sunday. The women's rugby team recognized
Camryn Snow (Exton, Pa./West Chester East),
Ashlyn Wissler (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin),
Emma Davies (Kennett Square, Pa./Kennett),
Laura Smego (Greenwich, Conn./Greenwich),
Charlotte Beetar (West Orange, N.J./Mount St. Dominic Academy),
Kenna Giebel (Garnet Valley, Pa./Garnet Valley), and
Cecilee MacCheyne (Rockaway, N.J./Morris Hills).
The contest featured a format with both teams competing 13v13.The Sharks got on the scoreboard just three minutes into the game and added another try in the 10th minute. Shortly after LIU's second score, Smego broke away for a long run, but was unable to finish the effort after colliding with a Shark defender.
The momentum shifted in the 28th minute when Wissler (broke away for a 65-meter run, scoring the Golden Rams' first try of the game.
Nina McDowell (Mercersburg, Pa./Mercersburg) followed with a successful conversion, bringing the score to 10-7. The score remained unchanged heading into halftime.
In the second half, the Sharks added another try and successful conversion. McDowell responded with a successful conversion, bringing the score to 17-12. However, LIU maintained its momentum throughout the second half and secured the 34-12 victory over the Golden Rams.
The Golden Rams will compete in the first round of the NIRA playoffs against Davenport next Saturday in Grand Rapids, Mich. The game time will be announced at a later date.
