NORMAN, Okla. — Southern Nazarene Women's Rugby kicked off their 2025 campaign in style with a commanding performance at the Al Velie Rugby Complex, their first-ever trip to the pristine Norman venue. Coming off a historically successful 2024 season, the Crimson Storm introduced 11 debutants in the 23-player squad, and the newcomers wasted no time in making their mark.
After a few minutes of settling into the contest against a disciplined Oklahoma side, freshman Ellie-Jane Bowdler opened SNU's try-scoring account from an attacking scrum. From there, the Storm attack found its rhythm. Freshman center pairing Jillian Mataele and Macy Sachs clicked instantly, scoring back-to-back tries—Mataele's converted by veteran fly-half Maddie Metier—to push SNU firmly ahead.
Nightingale Fakava Ma showcased her trademark power with a pair of long-range tries, the first again converted by Metier, before fellow freshman Olivia Johnson capped off crisp backline interplay with a 50-meter score under the posts. With Metier's boot adding the extras, SNU were flying. Replacement prop Elsa Lavulavu powered over for another converted try, and Sachs closed the half with a determined effort through multiple OU defenders to make it 48-0 at the break.
The second half brought more of the same. Mataele and Sachs each dotted down again, with Johnson adding the conversions. Guam native Cassidy Guerrero stamped her authority with two strong tries, while back-rower Mariah Healey crashed over following excellent setup play from Lavulavu. Jada Zaragoza then lit up the field with dazzling footwork to score her first of three tries, with Erickson adding the conversion.
Healey's second score was quickly followed by Zaragoza's quickfire double to complete her hat trick, all converted by Erickson, who was flawless from the tee. Erickson herself then marked her return from last year's ACL injury with two clinical tries of her own—again converting both. Freshman scrumhalf Jordyn Hill-Jowett capped an energetic debut by sniping over from a quick tap penalty, with Erickson nailing the sideline conversion to seal a memorable day.
While the final scoreline heavily favored SNU, Oklahoma's women were physical, committed, and never backed down—before hosting the Crimson Storm post-match in true rugby spirit.
It was the perfect start to 2025 for Southern Nazarene: a statement win, a showcase for a new wave of talent, and a reminder of the exciting heights this program continues to reach.
