AIC women controlled the story throughout Saturday's NIRA DII final.
The YellowJackets swarmed the Rams of West Chester early, laying in some impressive hits and setting a physical tone that didn't abate throughout the match. The result was a 74-0 win for AIC, as they unleashed an impressive combination of power and speed.
AIC controlled set piece and at the same time were very difficult to kick to because of their speed out wide. Nikki Ritter-Truxal was superb at scrumhalf, driving the pace. Kiyanah Edwards scored multiple tries and was dangerous out wide.
Camryn Henderson kicked well for goal, ran impressively in the pods as hooker, and controlled set piece, earning MVP honors.
Jendell Moe was very difficult to contain in tight.
Head Coach and DOR Jameson Bonti had emphasized skill throughout the team. He expected his players to be able to pass and move the ball, and that was shown in part when players jumped in at the halfback position. When the ball was available at the back of the ruck then someone passed the ball—often a forward.
When they were in their own 22, the YellowJackets found distance with their kicks. Several players launched kicks and again it was about making sure players exercised their skills.
For West Chester, this was a tough day. They were set back on their heels a bit and it's clear they had put in a ton of work to win their semifinal against Bowdoin, but AIC was a different challenge. The YellowJackets forced West Chester into a bit more of a static way of playing. It wasn't what they wanted.
Once they played more direct, the Rams made ground. It was just too late.
This is AIC's 2nd straight NIRA DII title and third in the past five seasons. For West Chester, this was their third appearance in the NIRA DII final; they won in 2019 over Brown.
Past NIRA DII Champions:
2025: AIC
2024: AIC
2023: Davenport
2022: Queens
2021: AIC
2020: COVID
2019: West Chester
