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WR - Becky Burns

Women Emerge Victorious to Secure Home-Field Advantage

10/26/2016 2:08:00 PM

written by: Kim Kasnic
 
Even with the cold temperatures and rainy weather lingering over their heads, the Neumann University Women's Rugby team eagerly set out to Albright College to play their last regular season game. The team went into this match with low numbers for various reasons. The Knights would only have 18 girls that were eligible to play, meaning only three available subs putting pressure on the team to play as well as they possibly could with limited injuries. Lyssa Hawley returned from an appendix surgery earlier in the fall and played an important starting role for the team. Samantha Greenlaw also returned from a medical issue and would be put into play before the first half ended. Abigail Fernandez also started her first career match and would show that she has an impressive stiff arm!

Saturday's kickoff was slated for 11:00 AM and Neumann began the game by receiving the ball. Albright would come at Neumann with a strong defense that involved few missed tackles. Unfortunately for Neumann, the club started sloppy and endured numerous penalty calls against them. This gave the initial advantage to Albright. However, that would not stop top-scorer Becky Burns from putting in the first try of the game. The try was shortly followed by her second score after a successful scrum steal by Neumann. The backs were able to pass the ball down the line well before getting tackled, but Amanda Brown would create a nice heads up play after the ball came out of the ruck, leading to her try of the game. Albright eventually scored before the half ended, but Neumann had a comfortable lead going into the second half.

The second half began with Albright receiving the ball. Neumann began its second half play better than first, most notable were improved rucks. Becky Burns scored her third try of the game after a beautiful ruck was formed. Albright would then begin to advance the ball, but Neumann's defense was able to stop them. Penalties would be called on Neumann frequently, but they were able to contain their opponent and after a quick series of passes, Sharae Frazier would score a try. After having some difficulties with the lineouts in the first half, Neumann pulled of a flawless lineout play that would eventually lead to Victoria Mellon's first try of the game. However, Alright answered with a try of their own after a missed tackle. Albright scoreed again soon after this, but that would be their last try of the game. Victoria Mellon put Neumann on the board for the final time this match as well as added three conversions to the scoreboard. The final score of the game was 41-19, Neumann coming away with the win.

With the victory, Neumann will go into the playoffs next Saturday playing Albright again for a chance to play in the Championship game on Sunday (10/30).  
 
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