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Saturday, April 1
West Chester, Pa.
10:00 AM
Princeton University
at
West Chester 7s
Photo by: Shelley M. Szwast
Women's Rugby Earns First Varsity 7s Win at West Chester 7s
April 03, 2023 | Women's Rugby
WEST CHESTER, Pa. – The Princeton University women's rugby team's inaugural varsity season continued at the West Chester 7s Saturday, on a day that saw the Tigers earn their first 7s win at the varsity level with a 17-14 victory over Navy.
The day started with a rainy, defensive-heavy match against West Chester's A-side. Amelia Clarke scored a centered try late into the second half which had the Tigers on the board, but just short by three points, resulting in a 10-7 loss.
With clouds still overhead, Princeton found themselves playing a defensive battle again in the first half now against Mount St. Mary's. Alayshja Bable led the defensive efforts, along with Sofie Grouws keeping the Mount to only two tries in the first half. Midway through the second half, Amelia Clarke sneaks one in off of the ruck to bring the Tigers 5 points, against Mt. St. Mary's 17 points. Alayshja Bable converts the try, which was placed out at the 15m line, bringing the Tigers two more points. The second, and last try of the game for the Tigers came from everyone's efforts, resulting in Sofie Grouws touching it down. Bable, again had the task of converting the try, which now sat outside the 15-meter line. She did so, bringing the Tigers to just three points short, resulting in a 17-14 loss.
The third matchup of the day was one that the Tigers were waiting for. Last spring season, Princeton couldn't get a win against Navy, but the sun always shines on a Tiger. Early in the first half, Sofie Grouws danced her way through Navy's defensive line with fancy footwork to put down a centered try. Bable successfully completed the conversion. Originating from a Tigers' lineout, with all team members seeing action with the ball, Bable dotted down the try, finishing the team effort with an assist from Sophia Villacorta. Navy replied back with an immediate try and successful conversion off of a Tigers' kickoff. Just before half the sun started to shine and the Tigers were ready to battle it out second half. Amelia Clarke's defensive efforts led to a turnover, which then led to a Tigers' try by Laura Esguerra. Sophia Villacorta, again assisted with the score. Navy answered back with a try and conversion, but it was too little too late and the Tigers took the win, 17-14.
The fourth and final matchup of the day was against Navy's mixed side. An early score from Alayshja Bable put the Tigers up, which was followed by a constant back and forth battle from each team. The second half started with a big defensive effort from the Tigers, but Navy got the score on the outside to tie the match up. Navy worked the ball in for another score, without conversions, finishing with a 10-5 Tigers loss.
A day of close matches and a win over Navy was certainly and overall success for the team. Continuing to see work-ons but recognizing the bright spots will be the Tigers' fuel for training this week. Princeton take on Navy and West Chester again this weekend, with the addition of Penn State University, at the Tigers' one home tournament this season. Emperor 7s is sure to be a day packed with stellar rugby matches from all. First kickoff is at 10:00 a.m., with the final match at 4:00 p.m. Be sure to follow the Tigers on social media to stay up to date on all the current matches and scores. Go Tigers!
The day started with a rainy, defensive-heavy match against West Chester's A-side. Amelia Clarke scored a centered try late into the second half which had the Tigers on the board, but just short by three points, resulting in a 10-7 loss.
With clouds still overhead, Princeton found themselves playing a defensive battle again in the first half now against Mount St. Mary's. Alayshja Bable led the defensive efforts, along with Sofie Grouws keeping the Mount to only two tries in the first half. Midway through the second half, Amelia Clarke sneaks one in off of the ruck to bring the Tigers 5 points, against Mt. St. Mary's 17 points. Alayshja Bable converts the try, which was placed out at the 15m line, bringing the Tigers two more points. The second, and last try of the game for the Tigers came from everyone's efforts, resulting in Sofie Grouws touching it down. Bable, again had the task of converting the try, which now sat outside the 15-meter line. She did so, bringing the Tigers to just three points short, resulting in a 17-14 loss.
The third matchup of the day was one that the Tigers were waiting for. Last spring season, Princeton couldn't get a win against Navy, but the sun always shines on a Tiger. Early in the first half, Sofie Grouws danced her way through Navy's defensive line with fancy footwork to put down a centered try. Bable successfully completed the conversion. Originating from a Tigers' lineout, with all team members seeing action with the ball, Bable dotted down the try, finishing the team effort with an assist from Sophia Villacorta. Navy replied back with an immediate try and successful conversion off of a Tigers' kickoff. Just before half the sun started to shine and the Tigers were ready to battle it out second half. Amelia Clarke's defensive efforts led to a turnover, which then led to a Tigers' try by Laura Esguerra. Sophia Villacorta, again assisted with the score. Navy answered back with a try and conversion, but it was too little too late and the Tigers took the win, 17-14.
The fourth and final matchup of the day was against Navy's mixed side. An early score from Alayshja Bable put the Tigers up, which was followed by a constant back and forth battle from each team. The second half started with a big defensive effort from the Tigers, but Navy got the score on the outside to tie the match up. Navy worked the ball in for another score, without conversions, finishing with a 10-5 Tigers loss.
A day of close matches and a win over Navy was certainly and overall success for the team. Continuing to see work-ons but recognizing the bright spots will be the Tigers' fuel for training this week. Princeton take on Navy and West Chester again this weekend, with the addition of Penn State University, at the Tigers' one home tournament this season. Emperor 7s is sure to be a day packed with stellar rugby matches from all. First kickoff is at 10:00 a.m., with the final match at 4:00 p.m. Be sure to follow the Tigers on social media to stay up to date on all the current matches and scores. Go Tigers!
Players Mentioned
FB/FH
/ Women's Rugby
L/P/8P
/ Women's Rugby
HB/FH
/ Women's Rugby
W/FB
/ Women's Rugby
FH/C/HB
/ Women's RugbyFall 2025 PNC Student-Athlete Achiever Award – Lucia Scalamandre & Giuliano Fravolini Whitchurch
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