BYU women’s rugby defeats Salt Lake City Vipers

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Natalie Bothwell
Jessie Beck evades a tackle from the SLC Vipers. BYU won 50-5. (Natalie Stoker)

BYU women’s rugby crushed the Salt Lake City Vipers 50-5.

The first half started out slow. Neither team scored for the first eight minutes. BYU broke the scoring drought with a try and conversion to lead 7-0.

“We were trying to adjust to their playing,” said senior captain Jessie Beck. “You’re always scared before a rugby game, and size is always kind of intimidating. But I feel like we made some changes and came out with courage.”

The first half concluded 14-5 for the Cougars.

BYU opened the second half with two quick tries to solidify their lead 26-5. The Cougars played off that momentum to keep the scoring streak going throughout the rest of the game and kept the Vipers to 5 points. The game concluded 50-5.

The Cougars were able to integrate many subs into the second half allowing freshmen and new players to get more experience. Head coach Tom Waqa said he was proud of how the whole team kept the Vipers at bay.

“The score doesn’t really reflect the intense play of the game,” Waqa said. “The Vipers are a really good team. The subs came in and held them to 5 points which was very encouraging.”

Senior Erika Nash, a new player this season, said it’s always exciting to get the chance to play more.

“The starters set the tone for the game,” Nash said. “It’s big shoes to fill but it’s something we all look forward to. We finished great, it got a little messy at the end but it’s just because we don’t have a ton of experience. We have things to work on but I’m proud of our team.”

The Cougars will next face Lethbridge, Canada at home Saturday, March 19.

 

 

 

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