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Saturday, September 3
Fairfield, Conn.
11:00 AM
Princeton University
21
at
53
Sacred Heart
Photo by: Greg Vasil
Women’s Rugby Makes Varsity Debut At Sacred Heart
September 03, 2022 | Women's Rugby
Box Score
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Princeton University women's rugby team made history Saturday at Park Avenue Field, taking the pitch for the first time as the Tigers' 38th varsity athletic program in a contest against Sacred Heart University.
"Our first varsity match was a climb to the finish," said Head Coach Josie Ziluca. "We had to work out some nerves in the beginning of the first half, but by the time the second half was rolling our Tigers were engaging in stride together. Our goal was to stay connected and have our functionality tested.
Our forwards had a cracking go, with Amelia Clarke '26 leading that charge. Erica De San Jorge '25 scored the first ever varsity try for the Princeton Tigers, along with tries from Sophia Villacorta '24, and Clarke '26. Alayshja Bable '26 converted every kick after our scores and also led our backfield in attack and defense. Our captains did an incredible job in keeping our team pushing all the way through to the end.
We had wonderful support from alumni, family, and friends in Fairfield and I look forward to seeing them next week at home. The team that never takes their foot off the gas pedal, keeping hearts and heads up; that's the mark of a team that is going to go the distance."
While the Pioneers came out on top, 53-21, the Tigers pushed Sacred Heart to its limit in the second half and came within one point, with the score being 15-14. Princeton also won five lineouts, and four scrums on the day.
Princeton try scorers included Erica De San Jorge, Priya Naphade, and Amelia Clarke, while Alayshja Bable was successful on all three of her conversion attempts. Defensively, Hadley Clayton, Kathryn-Alexa Kennedy, and Caroline Maguire each made a team-high three tackles each.
SHU got off to a strong start, but with 31:00 on the clock De San Jorge scored the first varsity try in program history, and Bable followed by completing the conversion. It was the Pioneers who took a 38-7 advantage into the half.
Princeton impressed coming out of halftime, as Naphade crossed the line at 53:30, and Bable again completed the conversion. SHU showed its experience, and followed with a penalty kick along with a pair of tries, but the Tigers were determined to battle hard to the very end. At 77:45, Clark scored Princeton's third try of the day and Bable continued her accuracy off the kicking tee with another successful conversion. While the match ended with the host Pioneers winners, 53-21, Princeton made history and fought valiantly until the very end. All signs pointed towards something special building for the Tigers.
Princeton hosts its first varsity match on Saturday, September 10, against Army (1-0) at 1 p.m. on Alumni Appreciation Day.
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Princeton University women's rugby team made history Saturday at Park Avenue Field, taking the pitch for the first time as the Tigers' 38th varsity athletic program in a contest against Sacred Heart University.
"Our first varsity match was a climb to the finish," said Head Coach Josie Ziluca. "We had to work out some nerves in the beginning of the first half, but by the time the second half was rolling our Tigers were engaging in stride together. Our goal was to stay connected and have our functionality tested.
Our forwards had a cracking go, with Amelia Clarke '26 leading that charge. Erica De San Jorge '25 scored the first ever varsity try for the Princeton Tigers, along with tries from Sophia Villacorta '24, and Clarke '26. Alayshja Bable '26 converted every kick after our scores and also led our backfield in attack and defense. Our captains did an incredible job in keeping our team pushing all the way through to the end.
We had wonderful support from alumni, family, and friends in Fairfield and I look forward to seeing them next week at home. The team that never takes their foot off the gas pedal, keeping hearts and heads up; that's the mark of a team that is going to go the distance."
While the Pioneers came out on top, 53-21, the Tigers pushed Sacred Heart to its limit in the second half and came within one point, with the score being 15-14. Princeton also won five lineouts, and four scrums on the day.
Princeton try scorers included Erica De San Jorge, Priya Naphade, and Amelia Clarke, while Alayshja Bable was successful on all three of her conversion attempts. Defensively, Hadley Clayton, Kathryn-Alexa Kennedy, and Caroline Maguire each made a team-high three tackles each.
SHU got off to a strong start, but with 31:00 on the clock De San Jorge scored the first varsity try in program history, and Bable followed by completing the conversion. It was the Pioneers who took a 38-7 advantage into the half.
Put It On The Board!
— Princeton Women's Rugby (@PUWRFC) September 3, 2022
The first try in varsity program history for the Tigers! pic.twitter.com/It6Exkop3k
Princeton impressed coming out of halftime, as Naphade crossed the line at 53:30, and Bable again completed the conversion. SHU showed its experience, and followed with a penalty kick along with a pair of tries, but the Tigers were determined to battle hard to the very end. At 77:45, Clark scored Princeton's third try of the day and Bable continued her accuracy off the kicking tee with another successful conversion. While the match ended with the host Pioneers winners, 53-21, Princeton made history and fought valiantly until the very end. All signs pointed towards something special building for the Tigers.
Putting Up Some Points!
— Princeton Women's Rugby (@PUWRFC) September 3, 2022
2nd try of the day for the Tigers! pic.twitter.com/gX11xzJrw7
Up NextOne More Try!
— Princeton Women's Rugby (@PUWRFC) September 3, 2022
Fought 'till the end today, excited to be out there as a group! pic.twitter.com/q6209zjUyg
Princeton hosts its first varsity match on Saturday, September 10, against Army (1-0) at 1 p.m. on Alumni Appreciation Day.
Players Mentioned
FB/FH
/ Women's Rugby
L/P/8P
/ Women's Rugby
L/FL
/ Women's Rugby
8P/L/P
/ Women's Rugby
FL/C/L
/ Women's Rugby
L/FH
/ Women's Rugby
P/H
/ Women's Rugby
FH/C/HB
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