WOMEN'S RUGBY

Women's Rugby: NU Downs Dartmouth, 19-7

Mar 29, 2008

HANOVER, N.H. - The Norwich University women's rugby team began its spring slate on Saturday afternoon with a 19-7 victory over Division I foe Dartmouth at a chilly and blustery Memorial Stadium.

Dartmouth got on the board early with a crashing run from its fly-half and a successful conversion. The remainder of the first period was dominated by the Dartmouth backs, which attacked with speed and grace.

As the first 40 wore down, the "Wick" increased its pressure and junior center Kelly Sullivan found a gap through the middle to earn Norwich's first try of the spring. Sophomore wing Clarissa Wynn successfully converted to level the score.

Early in the second half, junior center Ashley Lally broke free for another converted try as the momentum pendulum began to swing in the Cadets' favor. Leading 14-7 for most of the second half, the match was finalized by freshman hooker Alicia Seda's daring goal line drive - the first of her young career.

"Dartmouth is a great team to play," said NU head coach Austin Hall. "They play with passion and are as spirited as they come. We were frozen solid for the first 30 minutes, but as our hands warmed up, we began to put some attacking chances together. Their backs were outstanding and it was a good test for us after the long winter break."

The Norwich second XV was also successful, winning 19-12 in its match. Sophomore Hailey Ribeiro touched down in the last minute for the go ahead try while newcomers Molly Patterson and Natalie Marchese scored tries as well. Freshman fly-half Elise Fournier was 2-of-3 on conversions.

"We have much to improve upon," said Hall. "At the same time, we should feel good about our opening performance."

Norwich (16-0, 10-0 NRU) returns to action on Friday, April 4, under the lights at West Chester University. This match will mark the second NCAA women's rugby match in history. For more on the Cadets' match with the Golden Rams (7-3), visit the March edition of the USA Rugby newsletter at: https://owa.norwich.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.usarugby.org/goto/recent_news.


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