GRR: Women DI College
Central Washington didn’t have to prove that it was a good team; just a glimpse at its roster confirms as much. But last weekend’s DI West regional championship lent some depth to its talent, as the Wildcats defeated Stanford 53-7 in Sunday’s quarterfinal.
North Carolina entered the South DI regional championship well prepared. Solid scouting created a game plan that took the ball out of Life's hands, and the Tar Heels executed well … until the final minute of play. Leaning on its fitness and patience, the Running Eagles scored the game-winning try at the buzzer for a 12-10 win and trip to the spring final four.
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.
All of the DI spring quarterfinal match-ups have a bit of drama attached. The Mid-Atlantic and Southwest showdowns are essentially replays of the teams’ respective conference finals. The South pits the traditional powerhouse against the successful upstart. The West is even more dramatic.
BYU’s Saturday evening is a little different from its fellow DI playoff contenders. The Cougars now know they’re heading to the spring Final Four in Pittsburgh, having contested its first two rounds in Albuquerque on Friday and Saturday. Yesterday, BYU blanked Cal 97-0; today, the Cougars topped New Mexico 75-5.