Foxes take fifth at NSCRO National 7s tournament

The Claremont Colleges women’s rugby team made a successful debut on the national rugby 7s scene at the National Small College Rugby Organization’s (NSCRO) Women’s 7s National Championship in Pittsburgh, Pa. (April 29-30). The Foxes went 5-1 on the weekend, and finished fifth in the nation.

The Foxes opened play win a 15-10 win over Albright College (PA). The key play was a beautiful kickoff regather, stiff-arm, and race to the tryline for the score by Emma Dubery (SC ’19). The Foxes drilled their next opponent, University of Findley (OH), 27-12 with strong play by Joey Yamada (CMC ’18) and a try by Stephanie Wong (CMC ’17). Colorado College, ranked No. 3 in the nation, were the Foxes last pool play opponent. In a gritty, post-lightning delay effort, the Foxes prevailed 10-7 on a nice tackle and poach by Dana Alimena (PZ ’19). 

After sweeping their pool (3-0), the Foxes were drawn against 4-time NSCRO bronze medalist Lee University (TN) in the championship bracket quarterfinal. The Foxes fell 22-12 despite a great performance by Ali Parker (SC ’20) and Lindsay Mooradian (PZ ’19). The Foxes squeaked by York College (PA) 10-7 to set up a fifth place game against Simpson (IA). In an emotional effort, the Foxes scored 12 points in the last three minutes to win 17-15. Keys to the match were an exhaustive try-saving tackle by Jessie Ribera (PZ ’19), the play of super-sub Grace Piette (PZ ’20), and a cagey strip-and-steal by Catherine Weiss (SC ’20). Also strong on the weekend were Rachel Sun (HM ’19), Katelyn Faust (CMC ’17) and Lauren Dorsey (CMC ’18). The win placed the Foxes, in their first National 7s tournament, fifth in the nation.