BRUNSWICK, Maine – The Bowdoin College women's rugby team soundly defeated Colby-Sawyer, 54-7, in the semifinals of the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association Division III Tournament on Saturday at Pickard Field.
With the win, the Polar Bears will return to the title match next Sunday, November 21, against the University of New England, with an opportunity to repeat as national champions. The Polar Bears, who defeated UNE for the crown when it was last played in 2019, will play the Nor'easters in West Point, N.Y at 1:00 p.m.
Match Highlights
- After several minutes of threatening to score, Bowdoin finally broke through about ten minutes into the match when Jorja Markella drove in for a try off the base of the forwards ruck from a few meters out.
- Fifteen minutes later Sadie McClean ran a hard line through multiple defenders to touch the ball down. Molly Petronzio converted both tries, for a 14-0 Bowdoin lead.
- In the final two minutes of the first half, Ashlynn Autrey struck again in the same fashion and Molly Petronzio added a try, again making both conversions, giving the Polar Bears a commanding 28-0 edge at the break.
- Rebecca Vakarau, who led the team with 12 tackles, scored two long tries in the opening minutes of the second half, converted by Petronzio and Lauryn Eisenhart.
- After Colby-Sawyer scored to cut the lead to 42-7, the Polar Bears held their defense for the final 17 minutes while Petronzio scored twice with one conversion.
- Ella Slaby recorded three steals and 10 tackles, while Ashlynn Autrey, Sadie McClean and Colleen Doucette added 8 apiece.
Up Next
- Bowdoin will face UNE at West Point, N.Y., on Sunday, November 21 at 1:00 p.m. for the NIRA Division III Championship. More information, including a preview, will be available this week.
