BRUNSWICK, Maine – The Bowdoin College women's rugby team scored a dramatic go-ahead try in the final moments and held on for a thrilling 18-17 NIRA victory over West Chester University on Saturday afternoon.

The Polar Bears built a 13-0 advantage before West Chester stormed back with 17 unanswered points in the second half. Bowdoin answered when it mattered most, using a series of powerful forward carries to drive across the try line with 3:25 remaining and regain the lead, 18-17.

Game Highlights

• Bowdoin opened the scoring with 9:13 remaining in the first half when Janyah Bradley intercepted a West Chester pass and raced in for a try on the edge, giving the Polar Bears a 5-0 advantage.
• Ellie Carter extended the margin on the final play of the opening half, converting a penalty kick to send Bowdoin into the break ahead 8-0.
• The Polar Bears capitalized on a West Chester handling error early in the second half, taking possession inside the 22 before a succession of forward carries resulted in a Maddy Kosmoski try and a 13-0 lead.
• West Chester quickly responded and continued to apply pressure, eventually scoring 17 consecutive points to take its first lead of the afternoon, 17-13, with 7:33 remaining.
• Facing a four-point deficit in the closing minutes, Bowdoin methodically worked its way down the field behind its forward pack. A series of hard carries eventually pushed the Polar Bears across the line, courtesy of Jesse Vanston, for the go-ahead try with 3:25 to play.
• Bowdoin's defense made the one-point margin stand over the closing moments to secure the 18-17 victory.

By The Numbers

• Janiya Garrison provided significant go-forward throughout the contest with a number of powerful carries.
• Sachi Mehra, Mia Daoust and Ellie Carter made strong decisions in the kicking game that helped establish Bowdoin's early territorial advantage and created opportunities for the Polar Bears' attack.
• Avery Jules delivered an outstanding defensive effort, displaying excellent awareness and work rate throughout the match.
• First-year Liv Groth earned the start at No. 7 in her first match against a Division II opponent and made an immediate impact with strong tackles off the scrum and several productive carries.

Up Next

• The Polar Bears will travel to Poughkeepsie, N.Y. (Vassar) next Saturday to face Frostburg State at 2:15 p.m.