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This past weekend in West Point, NY, Penn State Women’s rugby took the field with vengeance, as they looked to turn around the loss from last spring against Army. Though it is a new year, and a relatively new team for both sides, the lasting feeling from the spring was carried through on the field. Penn State came out with intensity, and played a very forward game. 8-man Annie Lucus had some beautiful picks that helped to generate go forward, and allowed the back line to set up the field. The first try of the game was for Penn State made by Rebecca Koons, after a joint effort by the forwards. It was followed by an amazing conversion kick by Sadie Anderson. New Penn State players on the field, Brianna Troyer and Margaret Leonard stopped many potential threats with great joint effort in defensive tackles. Bianca Delal broke the line and scored the next try for the Lions. Another successful conversion by Anderson puts the Lions at a 14-0 lead at the end of the first half.
Army came out strong in the beginning of the second half, eventually getting a try after a few minutes of panicked State defense and quick ball by Army. Penn State played through the bitter weather and kept up the intensity until the very last scrum of the game, continuing to hold off Army. Penn State celebrated a 14-5 victory against Army, and though it finally felt great to get the big W, the game showed areas of weakness that need improvement over the next few months. However, it was certainly an exciting game, and everyone should be proud of the Penn State Women’s team, and the heart they play with every time they step on the field, always playing for each other, the past players, and the future team.
It was great to see all the support at West Point by fans, parents, non-traveling teammates, and our much-loved alumni who all stood out in the freezing cold cheering us on as always.
Written by Kellie Vetter
