BETHANY, Okla.—The SNU Women's Rugby team is looking to pave their way to Houston, Texas for the December 3rd
National Collegiate Rugby Division 1 National Championship. That road goes through a regional playoff at Forest Park Rugby Complex in St. Louis on Friday, November 18 at 12:00pm when the No. 3 Crimson Storm face the No. 5 Panthers of the University of Northern Iowa in the national quarter final matchup. The winner of that matchup is set to play in the national semi-final match Sunday November 20 at 2pm.
SNU heads into the quarter-finals with a 7-0 record. The Crimson Storm have recorded massive wins this season with a point total of 529-72. The Crimson Storm rolled through their conference schedule until meeting up with new rival, Texas A&M. Tied for first, SNU managed to squeak out a 41-40 victory over Texas A&M to earn the Conference Title in a meeting at SNU's home pitch for the last regular season match on October 22. One week later, SNU and Texas A&M met at Baylor University for a one-game playoff match. SNU punched their ticket to the NCR D1 Elite 8 after a second hard fought victory, 26-12.
In their inaugural campaign SNU women's attack has been led by freshman center Telesi Uhatafe, who has dominated the pitch with ball in hand, earning 33 tries on the season. Operating the attack and calling the shots are the half-backs, sophomore Chloe Tarango and junior Finau Fakahua. The forwards have seen strong leadership in junior 8-man, Ashleigh Brooks, and sophomore hooker, Tristain Lewis.
"We are looking forward to the trip. These young ladies have worked hard since August and it's nice to see their hard work being rewarded. It will be an honor to take the pitch with blueblood programs like Northern Iowa. They have done such a great job of growing the game and developing young women into very good rugby players! It is just such an exciting thing to be a part of! We are thankful for the support of our administration, student body, and friends and family!" - Aric Gilliland, Head Coach.
