WOMEN'S RUGBY

Women's Rugby: Norwich Falls To Shippensburg In Quarterfinals

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Norwich women's rugby team battled valiantly, but came up short against rival Shippensburg College, losing 27-15 in today's quarterfinal match.   

After conceding the first try of the match, Norwich fought back and senior flyhalf Cassie Thompson leveled the score with a brilliant kick, chase, support, and score try in the corner.

Shippensburg bounced back with a try of their own and the first half ended with Shippensburg leading 10-5

Norwich scored 20 minutes into the second half when sophomore wing Clarissa Wynn broke free and offloaedded to junior wing Ashley de Grasse. Wynn converted the try and the Wick led 12-10.    

Feeling a momentum swing, the Wick fought hard, but Shippensburg managed to score a try and take the lead 15-12. Ship went on to score two more and win the match 27-15.

"Shippensburg was the better team today," said NU coach Austin Hall. "We played tough, hard hitting rugby and we gave it everything we had. I'm really proud of how the team came together after a tough spring season. We're ready to show some great Norwich pride in tomorrow's match."  

The Cadets kick off against Wayne St. (Neb.) tomorrow at 10:00 MST. This will mark the final match of the Cadets' season and is a consolation match for fifth place in the nation.