PROVO, Utah —The BYU women’s rugby team started their season with a win at home against Utah State on Saturday, Sept. 28th.
Both teams were excited to showcase what they have been practicing so far this season. BYU kicked off to Utah State, but it wasn’t long before the Cougars regained possession. Within minutes, Emily Briggs, a power player, and current team captain marched down centerfield for a try.
Possessing the ball again, BYU progressed towards their try zone against a gritty Utah State defense. After holding the Cougars back, senior prop Pam Patton eventually drove in for a score. Tiana Tolman, new to the position of full-back, converted on the kick.
Six minutes into the half, she got a try of her own and then made the conversion, raising the total to 19-0.
Possession continued to move back and forth, with some hard runs from Utah State’s number 10. Eventually, senior number 15, Alisa Baker, ripped through the defense for a try in the corner. Utah State’s defensive pressure, however, forced some BYU knock-ons towards the end of the second half. Undeterred, outside center Lewanda Aspinall, retaliated with an interception and try in the 17th minute.
Both teams had physical tackles and runs, but Baker and number 2 Hannah Beagley, each scored to finish out the half.
Both teams came out with renewed energy to start the second period. Number 13 Aspinall scored within the first minute, and then USU’s number 13 found a line to put USU on the board in the 45th minute.
BYU’s Clark and Monroe later scored, but USU surged back with three tries of their own. Throughout the half, BYU rotated players allowing for their large roster to gain experience. Freshman Nicole Wilson finished the match with a last-minute try.
Both teams showcased their raw talent with an energetic start to the season and are looking forward to future games later this Fall.
Scoring Summary -
Tries - Briggs (2’), Patton (4’), Tolman (6’), Baker (12’,27’), Aspinall (17’,41’), Johnston (23’), Beagley (37’), USU 13 (44’, 76’), Clark (49’), Monroe (52’), USU 9 (65’), USU 10 (73’), Wilson (81’)
Conversions - Tolman (5’,7’,12’,18’,23’,38’), USU 10 (45’, 65’)
Halftime Score - BYU 52, USU 0
Final Score - BYU 74, USU 24
BYU team vs USU -
Pamela Patton 2. Hannah Beagley 3. Emily Briggs 4. Marin Spears 5. Marion Morrow 6. Teisa Kalaniuvalu 7. Kylie Clark 8. Taylor Johnston 9. Christina Miller 10. Matalasi Morrissette 11. Baylie Duce 12. Delaney Rakuita 13. Lewanda Aspinall 14. Alisa Baker 15. Tiana Tolman 16. Nicole WIlson 17. Alexa Tenney 18. Tayzlie Tripple Haack 18. Grace Christensen 19. Emilee Cox 21. Mariann Higgins 22. Elisa Monroe 23. Cierrah Garza