University of Nevada, Reno Scrimmage

The scrimmage was set up initially as five 20-minute periods. Stanford played Reno for four then the final period was between two mixed Stanford teams.

The first quarter against Reno was played by mostly returning players who immediately set the quick pace for the game. There was always support for those who broke the line. The last try of the quarter was made by Tia Watkins ’15, after a series of great offloads across the backline. Reno did put a challenge on for Stanford with physicality in the rucks and hard runs by their flyhalf, who scored Reno’s first try. The first period ended with a score of 12-7 Stanford.

In the second quarter, more rookies saw the field and many stepped up to play positions they had never practiced before. Reno was able to take advantage of the new lineup, running hard at Stanford defenders and were able to repeatedly get over the gainline. Stanford’s launch was very slow, if it ever happened, and there wasn’t as strong a connection between players in the line. Reno was able to ground two tries, ending the second quarter with 12-17 Reno.

The third quarter saw much improvement. Stanford held off Reno for most of the quarter but Reno was able to get another try in, bringing the score to 12-22 Reno.

In the final quarter, Stanford came back with much more agression, positive tackles, and hard cutting lines that seared right through Reno’s defense. The team’s own mistakes such as late and dropped passes, were reason enough to keep us from going forward. But two more tries were put on by two rookies, Allie Ballesteros ’16 and Theresa Asuquo ’16 to bring the game to 22-22 tie.

Next up, the Stanford Women’s Rugby 7′s squad will be playing on Sunday, Nov. 11, in the national qualifying tournament hosted by Stanford.

Rookie Reflections
“I LOVE RUGBY. Getting into a game time situation was incredible, it definitely helped me get a better handle on how the game is played, and ultimately won. The returners did an excellent job in helping the rookies find positioning and with working the ball around. I feel our passing and positioning definitely improved throughout the game and helped give us more room to run onto the ball and through the defense. Can’t wait till the next match!” -Allie Ballesteros ’15

“During our first scrimmage a couple weeks ago, I remember how I just over-thought every move I was going to make, and that caused me to make a lot of mistakes from being too scared to make a mistake. But yesterday, I was just so into the game, that playing rugby was starting to feel natural and instinctual, and it felt amazing to get my first try! Can’t wait to get back on the field and improve some more!” -Theresa Asuquo ’15

Final Score: 22-22
Tries for Stanford made by:
Smriti Sridhar ’15
Tia Watkins ’15
Allie Ballesteros ’15
Theresa Asuquo ’15

Conversion made by Jamie Lawrence ’13