written by: Head Coach Puscian

Homecoming 2018 marked the first and only home game for the Neumann lady ruggers in the fall campaign.  Leading up to the game, the girls practiced in 80-degree weather, but Saturday was quite different.  When the team first arrived on the field it was rainy and cold.  Although muddy, luckily there was no standing water and the field was deemed safe for play. 

Prior to kickoff the team presented the one and only senior, captain Hayley O'Connor with a poster, balloons and a very nice gift.  By the time the game started, the rain had stopped, and the sun was even trying to peak through the clouds.  Neumann dominated the first twelve minutes of the game.  The Knights looked strong with great offensive and defensive play.  Freshman flyhalf Kayla Jewell made a great offload to Sophomore Elaisha Bagwell who used her evasive running skills to dodge several defenders and run in for Neumann's first try of the day.  Unfortunately, the half ended with Widener taking control and scoring several unmatched trys. 
 
At the start of the second half, Neumann was facing a different group as Widener was able to sub the majority of their girls.  Neumann, however, did not have any subs and soon that mismatch in numbers was noticeable.  Widener began running around and through a tired group of Knights.  After a full team offensive drive down the field, senior captain Maddie McDowell, took a pop pass from Kayla Jewell and dove across the line to score Neumann's second try of the day.  The remainder of the second half was dominated by Widener.
 
Although the score was not the outcome the team was looking for, the game was a great learning experience for the lady Knights.  Spectators all agreed that the girls had impressive tackles and great runs.  The coaches are very proud of the skill and effort that the team demonstrated and look forward to practices this week as the team prepares for the next game against Ursinus College on Saturday, October 20.