PROVO, UTAH - BYU women’s rugby hosted a second Blue and White scrimmage of the fall season on Friday, November 6, proving that dedication to the sport can produce marked improvements in just two weeks. With the wind whipping and leaves blowing across Helaman Field on a dark autumn evening, rosters were also mixed from the previous scrimmage two weeks prior.
Both teams came out with energy and looking to pass. For the White team, sophomore Nicole Lyons found the try zone after a great pass from senior captain Rachel Strasdas in the 5th minute. Lyons also succeeded with her conversion putting the White team up 7-0.
After battling past White’s tight defensive line, Matalasi Morrissette finally found a hole in the 26th minute and added five points to the scoreboard. The junior flyhalf Morrissette also made her conversion kick to tie the game.
At the start of the second half, new players proved their worth like Rachelle Fokken and Roxana Penaloza who showcased hard runs and gained yards for their respective teams.
In the 64th minute, Strasdas blasted through a hole in the Blue’s defense to make a 60-yard try. Lyons provided the conversion kick taking the score up to 14-7 in White’s favor.
Both teams continued to make hard runs and move the ball up and down the field during the second half. Right before the end of the match in the 77th minute, freshman Kanani Uluave found space of her own on the wing and made her contributions notable with a try that solidified the final score as 21-7 White. The final conversion kick by Lyons tallied a flawless 3 for 3 on conversions for her for the night.
Coach Waqa and his staff are hopeful for a regular Spring season with practices starting in January.
The scrimmage was live-streamed on YouTube here. Follow our social media channels to stay updated on all things BYU women’s rugby. Missed the first match? Check out the first scrimmage here!
Scoring Summary- Lyons, Morrissette, Strasdas, Kanani Uluave,
Conversions- Lyons (3), Morrissette (1)
Halftime Score- 7-7
Final Score- 21-7 White
White- 1. Ashlyn Westhora 2. Hannah Beagley 3. Aubrie Robinette 4. Tayzlie Haack 5. Ginger Farnsworth 6. Samantha Craig 7. Riho Kurihara 8. Taylor Johnston 9. Christina Miller 10. Kainoa Ah Quin 11. Baylie Duce 12. Rachel Strasdas 13. Kanani Uluave 14. Rachelle Fokken 15. Nicole Lyons Reserves- Teisa Kalaniuvalu
Blue- 1. Marin Chadwick 2. Kate Rugg 3. Roxana Penaloza 4. Eliza Detton 5. Alyssa Erickson 6. Rachel Cooper 7. Janette Taufa 8. Marion Morrow 9. Kuulei Uluave 10. Matalasi Morrissette 11. Kaelin Hirschi 12. Kathryn Stowers 13. Kate Gormley 14. Morgan Spangler 15. Maya Hood Reserves- Makayla Komer