GRR: UVA
One week ago today, Virginia Women’s Rugby (UVA) was recovering from the quarterfinal loss that eliminated it from the DI spring final four. But the end of one season meant the frenetic beginning of another, as UVA had less than a week to ready for the NOVA 7s national qualifier.
West Chester returns to the DI spring final four, but it was no easy road. UVA wanted that return bid to Pittsburgh, and the fact that the duo played each other two weeks ago meant that both sides had targeted game plans in place. But the Rams were able to enforce their style of play better and won 28-9.
The Mid-Atlantic region sees a rematch of the Mason Dixon conference final in tomorrow's DI quarterfinals: West Chester vs. UVA. The pair won their respective Round of 16 matches convincingly, as the Rams beat James Madison 82-0, and UVA topped Virginia Tech 74-7.
West Chester successfully defended its Mason Dixon conference title, defeating North Carolina 58-5 in yesterday’s final. The Golden Rams were eager for some competition that would accelerate its build-up toward nationals, and by the second half of the title bout, West Chester was playing the clinical game it will need going forward.
Virginia Women’s Rugby (UVA) deserves a spot in the spring Round of 16; the question is where they figure in. After a very successful fall, UVA started 2015 with a slim loss to North Carolina – a defeat that cost them the South #1 seed at the Mason Dixon playoffs and forged a tougher road to the conference final.