What we're going to get in the CRAA Fall Classic Women's Final is a clash we haven't seen before.

Navy has challenged for the DI fall championship several times, but Davenport has bounced between DI and DII. The Panthers have played Air Force; they've played Penn State and Michigan several times and Notre Dame College a few more than that. But never Navy. So this will be a new experience for both.

Head Coach Greg Teliczan's Davenport team does exceptionally well to control the point of contact. With big, powerful forwards and small, powerful backs, they don't go down easily, and as a result are able to offload with accuracy. That keeps them going forward, and keeps defenses scrambling.

Teliczan has always shown himself able to adjust his coaching to the kind of personnel he has. Over time he's had teams that power through and over, and he's had teams that burn you, and teams that move the ball. The upshot is that this team, behind the talent of Kakalaleohiva Kinikini, Aubrey Crist, Megan Bird, and Ashleigh DeWitt, does all of that when it needs to.

As for Navy, they have to work together to succeed. So far they've done a superb job of that and when they are quick to the breakdown and organized they take teams apart.

Head Coach Murph McCarthy is muted in his praise, which probably fits the midshipmen just fine.

"We are really starting to come together as a team and focusing on doing the 'team things' as far as fundamentals go," said McCarthy. "It has been a huge team effort this whole season and picking the 23 is tough."

And they will need it Saturday in the Fall Classic. Get caught up in playing an individual game and they could be in trouble.

"I am hoping we get into a rhythm as soon as we get on the bus Friday," said McCarthy.

Navy takes on Davenport at 6PM Saturday in the CRAA D1 Women's Fall Championship final. The game will be braodcast live on The Rugby Network>>