Heavirland Named Army Athlete of the Week
Heavirland Named Army Athlete of the Week
The Army Athletic Association chose Nicole Heavirland as its first Athlete of the Week for the fall 2015 season. It was a good selection considering that the Cadets’ 29-24 win over Quinnipiac headlined a very exciting weekend of college rugby (read more). Army has had a thrilling start to its DI varsity season, defeating AIC by three points on opening weekend, and then overcoming a 17-point deficit to beat the Bobcats last Saturday.
“The turning point that allowed for the second-half comeback was our fitness,” Heavirland said. “We are fortunate enough to have Strength-and-Conditioning that puts us through 5:30 a.m. lifts twice a week and conditioning after practice twice a week. I don't think we will face a team fitter than us this year.”
Heavirland credited impact reserve Sydney Dossett for helping sway momentum, but it was the flyhalf herself who closed the point differential on the scoreboard. Heavirland ended the match with four tries, including the game-winner with little time on the clock.
“The go-ahead score evolved from a line-drive kick from me to Chioma Odocha on the right side of the pitch near the try zone,” the Women’s National Team player remembered. “Lindy Clark was there to support Chi, and then it was a dogfight to punch it in.”
Army is now 2-0 in varsity matches and will face a big test against Norwich this weekend. Last season, Norwich won the teams’ 15s matches handily, but Army received some recompense during the spring when it snapped the Cadets’ long-standing undefeated 7s record for the ACRA championship.
“This win gives our team more confidence as we move toward a challenging schedule this year,” Heavirland concluded. “I'm very excited to see what our team can do this year because we have an unbelievable squad. We will only get better each game.”
What else happened in women's college last weekend? Here's a sample:
Ivies Celebrate 3 Important Wins
Davenport Upends Indiana in Cross-Div Game
Fitness Defines Rutgers' Opening Win
Stathopoulos Stands Out in Boston Opener
