Monthly Archives: March 2008

2008 U20 National Team Squad!

Three Stanford players were selected to the 2007 U19 squad which will be touring to South Africa this year. Congrats to sophomores Jay-Marie Hill, Kelsey Moss and Jessica Watkins!

Champagne Classic

Stanford traveled down to the Champagne Classic nervous but excited about the challenge that faced them. Playing in the Women’s Club Bracket always posed significant challenges and tougher games, which ultimately was the goal of the Stanford coaching staff. The team got to an early start with a win over the San Louis Obispo Women’s club team, but Stanford still had two more games to play that day versus Belmont Shore and the Frost Giants. Playing these two experienced teams proved a challenge. However, Stanford rose to the occasion with tough physical play among the forwards and good decision-making among the backs. In the end, they banked two more wins and a spot in the semi-final of the tournament the next morning. Overall, the team came together as one and was able to face the brave that the tournament held for them.

Stanford got off to an early start on their second day of competition, kicking off against Boston Women at 10am. Prepared to face tough competition against one of the best club teams in the nation, Stanford put up a solid defensive line against their more experienced and physically larger opponents. Despite Stanford’s impressive defensive efforts along their try line, Boston managed to push through the middle of the field to score the first try of the game. Boston, however, was not prepared for the speed of Jessica Watkins, who outran the entire Boston squad and tied up the game. The tie was broken before halftime, with a try and a conversion by Boston. In the second half, Boston succeeded in taking the ball wide to score again. Down by 12, Stanford refused to give up. Another try by Watkins and a great conversion kick by Melissa Smit narrowed the gap, but time ran out before Stanford could score again. The final score, 12-17, reflected an exciting display of high-level rugby from both teams.

Stanford 0, Davis 10

On the morning of March 1, 2008, the Stanford Women’s Rugby team boarded the bus to Davis in hopes of maintaining the season’s momentum through its last league match. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Seemingly inspired by the mass of rowdy fans consuming the sidelines and the desire to force an upset, the UC Davis Aggies came out with a vengeance. Their aggressive defensive style challenged the rookie back line and rattled the team’s calm style of play. By half time the
opposition led 3-0 after a successful penalty goal kick. Despite Stanford’s efforts to come back in the second half, they lost the game with a final score of 10-0. The team plans to put this match behind them as they prepare for the upcoming Champagne Classic, where their physicality and mental toughness will be challenged by strong women’s club teams.