Division I is four games away from naming its 2014-15 women’s college champion. The spring semifinalists will compete on Friday, April 24, at Pittsburgh’s Founders Field, and name the spring champion on Saturday. The national final occurs on May 9 against fall champion Penn State.

The semifinal games contrast. In one corner, there are two national playoff veterans – Women’s Cougar Rugby (BYU) vs. West Chester – and in the other, two first-year varsity programs (Life vs. Central Washington) playing in their inaugural national post-seasons. First up, the vets at 4 p.m.

BYU is the vet of the vets, having made several final four appearances before the country was split into fall and spring playoff factions. But history isn’t a strong enough argument anymore, and that reasoning is something with which the Cougars are familiar. After falling nine points short to Stanford in last year’s quarterfinals, BYU returned a widely different team to the Mountain West fall league. The roster is subject to major fluctuations – more so than the average team – due to players leaving for and returning from their LDS missions. BYU had to rebuild in the fall, but emerged strongly in the spring – just compare the three results against New Mexico for a gauge.

Although the team struggled to get quality springtime opponents, BYU was on point in New Mexico two weekends ago, defeating Cal 97-0 and Los Lobos 75-5 for a trip to Pittsburgh.

Leading the way in terms of power is All American Jordan Gray. Big, strong, and able, West Chester will need to zone in on this able ballcarrier, who can play in the backs or forwards. Flanker Justina Grubb has really come on this year, and she’s turned into one of the team’s most reliable scorers. Rebekah Boaz, Hillary Hironaka, Nicole McCollough, Dana Mortensen, and Kayla Richardson are all dangerous players and played particularly well in New Mexico.

It’s also important to note that BYU has mixed in a little 7s with its spring training – competing in Las Vegas and heading to the West national 7s qualifier on May 1-2 at Air Force – so the team can step-pass-run well.

West Chester’s run-up to its second consecutive final four appearance mimicked BYU’s year to a point. Having contested its league season in the fall, the Golden Rams were hammered by poor weather in 2015, stunting its preparation before conference playoffs. But the eventual Mason Dixon champs were fine through the spring quarterfinals, playing a pair of tougher games against UVA, ones in which West Chester had to push itself past a unique team, and more wide-open matches against North Carolina and James Madison.

BYU hasn’t played much defense – save the opening 15 minutes against New Mexico in the quarterfinals – but West Chester has been able to test its resolve against UVA, and that experience will pay off.

The Golden Rams have their Jordan Grays as well. All American Nicole Benedetti is the program’s all-time try-scoring leader, and she does a lot of damage from the back field. Flyhalf Katie Walston has been directing the attack for years, and adds a precise boot to her repertoire. She’s also West Chester’s all-time leader in points scored. Former All American Arielle Gantt is the go-forward go-to in the pack, and Erin Gallagher has developed into a piercing No. 8.

The victor will play at 4 p.m. Saturday against the winner of Central Washington vs. Life (read the preview). The third place match will be held at 2:15 p.m. Saturday. Games will not be live-streamed.