CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Sacred Heart University women's rugby team faced a competitive pool play including four other opponents and went 2-2 to roll out its sevens season at the Crimson 7's hosted by Harvard Saturday.
Assistant coach Jennifer Salomon began. "[It was a] good start to the 7s season. [We had] great tempo all game long [vs. Northeastern], this should be the example for the rest of the season no matter who the opponent is. We look forward to having a bye this weekend and using the time to work on a few objectives to prepare us for Brown 7s on April 8."
SHU played in the Shield Semifinal gaining a win over Northeastern, 24-21. Sophomore, Tyffany Brisbane and freshman, Tessa Buckey commanded the Pioneers' defense throughout tournament action. NIRA All-American Honorable Mention, freshman Isabel Cuddy, spearheaded the Pioneers' offensive effort with four tries to compliment 20 points.
SHU vs. Quinnipiac
The Pioneers endured a 36-5 setback against NIRA 15s National Champion Quinnipiac to begin play on Saturday.
SHU got off to a slow start against the national powerhouse. The Bobcats emitted a trio of unanswered tries until the first minute of the second half. Allie Rinaldi severed the Pioneers' drought, scoring after a good ball forward team effort. Buckey finished with four tackles.
SHU vs. AIC
AIC bested the Pioneers during the 15s season but the Pioneers looked to avenge a pair of losses during the sevens slate. However, SHU fell, 29-5 to the Yellow Jackets for its second match of the day.
SHU opened scoring for either team, putting the first points on the board four minutes into the contest. Brisbane dished a stellar feed to Cuddy who capped the play with a strong finish. AIC quickly answered providing two tries of its own.
Despite the arduous fight, SHU failed to capitalize on penalties neutralizing the Pioneers' ability to remain in striking distance after falling behind. Considering AIC's physicality and dominance on the ball, SHU's missed opportunities negated hope of the Pioneers' comeback. Cuddy's try was the only Pioneers tally for the game.
SHU vs. Boston University
The faults in SHU's defense surfaced early, but a relentless Pioneers' group turned the tide as the group collected the come-from-behind victory, 17-5, over Boston University.
The Terriers came out storming, suffocating SHU in the onset's first two minutes. SHU regrouped, showcasing a thwarting collective defensive effort to counter any hints at a BU answer, as the Pioneers froze any additional scoring by the Terriers for the duration of the game.
Kaylee Hale and Brisbane each supplied try-saving tackles to encourage the victory. Cuddy, Rinaldi and Margaret Woods registered a try each. Hale (6), Cuddy (5) and Brisbane recorded tackles between them while Hale went 1-for-3 in conversions.
SHU vs. Northeastern
Northeastern flirted with dominance early but SHU rallied back for its second come-from-behind win of the day, 24-21, to wrap up play in Massachusetts.
Northeastern came out strong claiming the game's first five points. Cuddy credited the answer in dramatic fashion powering through a pool of defenders.
SHU went on to outscore the Huskies in the last 30 seconds with a thrilling turnover due to the pressure provided by Brisbane, Rinaldi, and Woods. Buckey positioned herself perfectly, running wide for the game-winning try.
Cuddy (2), Brisbane and Buckey each added tries while Hale went 2-for-3 in conversions.
Quotable
Head coach Michelle Reed added. "We were searching for our on-field chemistry the first two games and we found it for the last two games. It's good to have the first tournament under our belt allowing us to focus on the details to make the team even more cohesive."
She continued. "Kaylee Hale came off the bench with a vengeance adding energy and pace to the game that was much needed."
"Tessa Buckey played with no fear this tournament." Reed added. "Her tackles were on point."
Reed explained. "Tyffany Brisbane ramped it up as well making the clear-out look effortless."
Up next…
The Pioneers visit Brown for its sevens tournament on April 8. 11 teams will be in attendance.
