And so the Lions beat the Turtles… This past Saturday, the Penn State Women’s Rugby team played University of Maryland in two games, one for each the competitive and developmental side. The beautiful day began with a parent’s brunch, hosted at Caf� Laura, where visiting Penn State rugby parents were able to meet each other, eat with their son or daughter, and meet the wonderful staff. Following brunch, the team met at the pitch for the 1pm kickoff against the Terps.
During the first half of the competitive game, the back line showed off their improving footwork as they broke the line numerous times putting the Lions up 29-0 at halftime. Strong scrumming from the pack leads to a nice Penn State try by the backs, scored by Mel Hoffman. In the second half, the ladies continued to put pressure on in Maryland’s half and scores a few more tries, but a chip kick by their 10 catches Penn State off guard and their prop puts five points on the board. To finish the game, the lions sneak in two more tries, one by Lauren Poole and another by Hanna Gregor. Conversions by Sadie Anderson helped rack up points throughout the day. The Lions finished the first game 53-5.
Penn State’s developmental side took the field following the end of the first match, and demonstrated the same intensity as seen in players of the first game. Casie Hoffman steps in as scrum half for the Lions, scoring a few tries off picks in the first half, and helping the back line of rookies look even better. Mira Lerner continuously breaks right through narrow holes in Maryland’s defense and scores a few tries herself. The developmental side proves again to be a powerhouse, finishing the game with a 40-0 win over Maryland.
Though the both teams looked great this past weekend, there is a lot of hard work to be done over the next two weeks as we prepare for our next game against Navy at home on October 22nd.
