NIRA Finals: Bowdoin Unity, Davenport Speed, Harvard Drama
The National Intercollegiate Rugby Association crowned their champions Saturday at Harvard's Mignone Field, with DI, DII, and DIII winners celebrated.
Big Scores and Close Ones in NIRA Semifinals
This coming Saturday's NIRA Finals Day matchups are now set after this weekend's semifinals.
Here's what happened:
Harvard and Dartmouth
Harvard defeated Sacred Heart in impressive fashion 60-5. Sophomore Lennox London scored three tries to lead the Crimson.
Longtime Bowdoin Coach MaryBeth Mathews to Retire
Bowdoin College women's rugby Head Coach MaryBeth Mathews has announced that she will retire at the conclusion of this academic year. Mathews has enjoyed a 29-year tenure at the helm of the program, guiding the women's rugby team at Bowdoin from club to varsity status during her distinguished career.
Special Moments, Players as Bowdoin Downs UNE for NIRA DIII
Reactions to finishing 2nd in NIRA had a story all their own: there was the steadfast stoicism of Army, the tearful regret of West Chester and … for University of New England … joy.
UNE had endured their struggles through the season, and while they hoped and played to win, knew that it would be an enormous uphill battle against Bowdoin. So 2nd place? Heck yeah!
Some Surprises as NIRA Finalizes Championship Pairings
The finals matchups for the NIRA championship weekend are set after a couple of surprises Saturday.
Dartmouth beat Brown as expected, winning 56-5. Lilly Durbin paced the Big Green with four tries while Kristin Bitter added two.