Return to Pointer View home page December 3,  2004

Women's rugby beats Navy 31-3

Avenges 67-0 loss during inaugural season in 2003

By Maj. Mike Jaskowiec
W.A.R. coach

On an overcast afternoon in Swarthmore, Pa. Nov. 20 Women’s Army Rugby was able to avenge a year-and-a-half old loss to Navy with a 31-3 victory.

In 2003 during Army’s inaugural season, the Mids overwhelmed a still-new Army team 67-0.

The match began the first of what both teams hope will be an annual competition between the two service academies. Swarthmore College agreed to host the tournament, and right from the kickoff the game delivered what supporters have come to expect from an Army-Navy clash: a close, physical contest.

Navy put the first points on the board with a penalty kick early in the first half. Army answered with an unconverted try by sophomore flanker Becky Bort.

Navy threatened to score late in the first half, but Army was able to keep them at bay and the half ended with the score 5-3 in Army’s favor.

In the second half, Army’s backline shined and their forwards were able to consistently produce good ball in a series of rucks which resulted in two tries early in the half by junior scrumhalf Amanda Brown and junior wing Sara Smith, who had replaced injured sophomore Dianna Le.

Sophomore center Aimee Feliz scored Army’s third try of the half with a breakaway run, downing the ball to increase Army’s lead to 26-3. Army added a final try by senior wing Cherise Tatum late in the second half. Sophomore flyhalf Devon Savoy converted 3-of-5 Army tries.