Hannah Greene | Sports Editor

Excited vibes mixed with the morning chill as Women’s Rugby got ready to take on Eastern Washington University — the Banshees. 

The beginning of the game started with a slow energy but picked up within an instant after Claire Rickis, a first year, of the Wolves snagged the first try of the game. Minutes later, the Wolves score another try thanks to Donna Samuelu, a sophomore, who completed a long-field run and beat the entire Banshee defense making the score 10-0.

“Who wants this ball?” 

“I do!” exclaimed the Wolves at kickoff. 

Wolves’ defense swarmed around all the attackers of the Banshees, not allowing for any movement.

The Sir of the match took many opportunities throughout to coach both teams in proper technique of tackles, rules and gameplay — creating a positive, supportive and safe playing field.

Moments later a third try was almost completed, but called back due to a double move — meaning the ball is moved twice once the player was down — which gave the Banshees a penalty. This didn’t stop the Wolves. 

With seven minutes remaining on the clock, Nelly Blancas — a senior and the president of the Women’s Rugby team — passed the ball to teammate Emilia Ricci, a first year, who scored, making the Wolves up 15-0. 

Not even two minutes later, the Banshees let their guard down, and D-Dré Wright was there to take advantage of it, scoring the fourth try of the game and ending the half with a 20-0 lead.

The whistle blew for the half to end and the Wolves came off with nothing but momentum and confidence. Western’s coach talked strategy and changed the lineup to start the second half with two new faces for the Wolves. 

Two more point-getters from the Wolves were Lexi Osborn, a senior and her fourth year on the team, and Carmen Deol, a senior and second year returner.

Within the first three minutes, Wright scores her second try, jumping the score to 25-0. Not even a recovery break is taken and the Banshees face Wright again, only to fail and let her score her third try of the game. The Wolves, now up 30-0, were not letting their foot off the gas, even the slightest.

Twenty minutes left in the game and an injury on the field calls for a stop in the clock and a player down for the Banshees. 

Wright was on fire, with only four minutes left she scored her fourth and final try of the match making the score 45-0 in favor of the Wolves. 

Western Oregon Women’s Rugby ends on a high of a great win leaving Eastern Washington with a hard loss to tow home. “I’m so proud of everyone” and “we feel pretty confident for the season,” said Nelly Blancas after the incredible win in their first home game last Saturday, Oct. 26.

“Men” of the Match, which is the term used for MVP, were given to D-Dré Wright and Clair Rickis — for their undying legs to outrun the Banshee defense repeatedly and the skills they brought to the home opener.

The Wolves next home game will be during Winter term.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photos by Hannah Greene