A punch-up was predicted between Mankato State and UW Steven’s Point, as the two Midwestern teams fought for a spot in the USA Rugby Women’s DII College Fall Championship, hosted by ACRA, Round of 16. The Mavericks held onto a tenuous three-point lead at half, and then held UWSP scoreless while piling on three second-half tries for the 32-14 victory.

“Our forwards controlled the breakdown, keeping Stevens Point from moving the ball to their back line, which is where we knew their strength was,” Mankato State coach Vicky Hildago said.

Hammering away at the defense, the space began to open up, and outside center Kanke Tongrit-Green was happy to make good on the ample possession - twice. Two tries in 10 minutes gave the Mavericks a 10-0 lead, and there the scoreline sat for the next 15 minutes while the teams duked it out at midfield.

UW Steven’s Point outside center Maggie Armstrong broke the silence, dotting down her side’s first try, which was converted, 10-7.

Mankato’s forwards attempted to restore the point differential, getting within striking distance but repelled by a determined UWSP defense. The Mavericks were held up twice, and it seemed like another try was imminent. But then the UWSP backline diffused the immediate threat, gaining possession and slicing through the defense. The quick-ball offense did well to keep the ball alive through offloads and was rewarded with a lead-changing try, 14-10.

But with five minutes remaining in the half, the Mavericks regained control of the match, moving the ball downfield and into the reliable hands of scrumhalf Mada Cox for the try, which Kate Campbell converted. Mankato not only took the 17-14 lead into the break but would build upon that momentum in the second half.

“The Mankato girls remained positive, encouraging each other at half time, and started the second half hungry for more,” Hildago said.

The team refocused on controlling the breakdown, using possession to tire the opposition, and relying on superior fitness to finish the job. Mankato extended its lead when lock Campbell finished off a penalty play in the try zone (22-14), and then All American No. 8 Bailey Johnson followed with a try of her own. A series of forward crashes opened up space for Cox’s second try, the final of the day: 32-14.

“Our biggest strength was consistent support, from backs and forwards,” Hildago said. “I honestly have a hard time crediting anyone in particular, as I felt many of my girls played the best game they've played all season. I am extremely proud of all of them and feel that the Mankato Mavericks are ready for the challenge ahead!”

Whereas UW Steven’s Point was a known entity, Utah Valley is not, and that’s who awaits in the Round of 16. The Rocky Mountain champion has played some close games this season, so it knows how to grit out a win. Mankato proved today that it can remain calm under pressure, as well. The two will meet at Northern Iowa next Saturday, Nov. 15, and the victor will play the winner of Winona vs. the Mid-America champion (which will be decided tomorrow between Arkansas and Nebraska) in the national quarterfinals.

For the full DII playoff picture, click here.