Central Washington University handed the Quinnipiac University women the Bobcats' first loss of the season, battling it out in a 19-12 decision this past weekend.

The Bobcats found the scoresheet first.  Flora Poole found space through the Wildcats' defense and gave Quinnipiac a 5-0 lead. But CWU replied. Yana Manoa found Kathlena Truong on the right wing and Truong scampered in for the try. 
 
A few minutes later the Wildcats took the lead when Suiluana A'au broke through the Bobcat defense and went over for her first try of the day. Cassidy Meyers made the conversion attempt for a 12-5 Wildcats lead. Central then made it 19-5 right on the stroke of halftime when Leah Ingold worked a move off the back of the scrum and set up Meyers, who did the rest. Meyers hit the conversion for the 19-5 lead.

But Quinnipiac has a history of comebacks, and looked to do exactly that. And it took a Washington native to get them closer, as Mason Johnson, who playerd her HS rugby for Budd Bay in the the Olympia area, raced in to cut the lead to 19-12 just three minutes into the second half. There seemed to be plenty of time for either team to build some momentum. But 19-12 was how it would end, as the rest of the half CWU repelled attack after attack.

"We went out early and put points on the board in some less than desirable rugby conditions," said Quinnipiac Head Coach Becky Carlson. "This QU squad is the toughest and strongest to date and the few mistakes we made today, Central capitalized on them. I can say with 100% confidence and no hesitation, there isn't a game in women's college rugby in this country that could match the athleticism and determination of the 30 student-athletes out on the field today." 

Quinnipiac has recorded wins over Army, AIC, Norwich, Notre Dame College, Brown, and West Chester so far this season. Meanwhile, CWU has beaten Army, Norwich, and AIC, and will face BYU next weekend. Quinnipiac faces Castleton and then AIC before the NIRA playoffs begin.

CWU 19
Tries: Truong, A'au, Meyers
Convs: Meyers 2

Quinnipiac 12

Tries: Poole, Johnson
Convs: Gegeckas