GRR: Quinnipiac
Quinnipiac returns to the final four for the second time in the program’s short history, with its debut occurring in 2012. Recollections of that Bobcat squad only amplify the team’s progress in 2.5 years –not only was Quinnipiac playing in DII then, but its stardom also revolved around the phenomenal stiff-arming of Natalie Kosko.
The Mid-Atlantic region of the USA Rugby Women’s DI College Fall Championship, hosted by ACRA, feels familiar. That’s because the two Round of 16 matches – Quinnipiac vs. Army and Navy vs. Brown – have occurred in friendly form this fall.
One of the more interesting games to occur this weekend involved DI playoff-bound Quinnipiac – although all of the Bobcats’ games this season have been interesting. As an independent, the Bobcats have had the freedom to play anyone, anywhere.
Central Washington University, ranked #16 among DI women's college rugby programs by Goff Rugby Report, edged #5 Quinnipiac 22-17 Saturday in a clash in Ellensburg, Wash.
The teams were tied with two minutes to go when freshman wing Ashley Rolsma scored the game-winner.
Saturday’s game against Norwich was probably the most important of DI Quinnipiac’s fall season. Yes, it was friendly. Yes, it was a loss. But the 45-38 scoreline is representative of the vast improvement the team has made since fall 2013.