Saturday, March 9, 2019 - Cougar Rugby News Editor
Boise, ID/Ellensburg, WA. (Mar 8-9) – The BYU Women's Rugby team (12-0) travelled to Boise State to play BSU Women in a friendly on Friday March 8, 2019. The Cougars were able to dominate that game and come out on top. BYU scored 12 tries and converted 9 of them. The final score was BYU 78 BSU 0.
Then the Cougars travelled to Central Washington University to play in their season's home and away fixture on Saturday March 9. The Wildcats defeated the Cougars 42-12.
"We took a step back from a previous encounter last October, and lacked the intensity and drive to match up with a good Central Washington side." Coach Tom Waqa said. "We are trying to rebuild for the season ending coming up, so this loss, even though it is very humbling, we as a team can really identify areas to work on."
The Wildcats scored their first try just five minutes into the game. CWU's center standout A'au took the ball and drovethrough a handful of Cougar defenders to give the Wildcats a 5-0 lead.
The Wildcats were able to take the ball away and went on to capitalize. CWU's Odette was able to get the ball past the try line to increase the Wildcat lead to 10-0.
Central Washing got in on the scoring after CWU's Sagapolu powered through a pair of BYU defenders was able to dive in for her first try of the game. Her teammate Kauahi got in on the action with a try of her own after dashing down the sideline into the corner for her first try.
Then CWU's Boldt also got her first try in the game in the first half after some smooth passing from the Wildcat offense allowed her to walk the ball in for a try. The Wildcats led 25-0 at halftime.
The second half picked up right where they left off. CWU Flyhalf Ingold was able to take the ball away from a BYU player and then ran past everyone on the field. She converted her own try to make it 32-5.
BYU Cougars were down but not out completely. They marched down to CWU's half through a kick from fullback Kainoa Ah Quinn, and attacked from a scrum 5 meters from CWU line. No. 8 Sandy Kanuch drove over through couple defenders to score.
BYU attacked again using a kicking game to put CWU under pressure inside their own 22 meter line. The Cougars were able to build on a few phases and put Lora Gubler through for a try. Matalasi Morrissette converted to make it 32 -12.
Central Washington were able to put the game beyond reach, by scoring two more tries to complete the game.
The final score was CWU 42 BYU 12. The Cougars are 12-1 for the season.
