One of two things was going to happen today. Either Central Washington was going to cap off its momentous season by upsetting the reigning DI champion, or Penn State was going to win its fourth consecutive (10^th total) trophy. The Nittany Lions reiterated why it’s the winningest program in the women’s college game, and posted a 61-7 victory today at Kennesaw State, Ga.

The spring champion was certainly up for the fight, and there were surges of inspiration through players like fullback Cassidy Meyers – who was unwavering in the backfield and found as much work as possible – and Angela Ve’evalu, who went on a few thumping runs and stole the scrum that led to her team’s lone try (scored by No. 8 Jenny Johnson). But those moments didn't mount into positive campaigns, either due to an unforced error on which Penn State capitalized or a mismatch, like scrum strength, that changed possession. Before long, every Central Washington error was magnified, and every ball inside the Wildcats' 22 meter played into Penn State's hands: 

When Central Washington flyhalf Kat Long was bobbling an outlet pass from Ros Pena, PSU flyhalf Gabby Cantorna already had her hands on the ball and quickly shuffled it to on-running flanker Elizabeth Cairns. The captain tore into open space, tested Meyers, who didn’t waiver, and offloaded to MVP lock Katie Mueller in quick support for a try.

The Wildcats earned a penalty at midfield an opted for a scrum, even though Penn State had been dominating the set piece. The Lions stole the scrum, halfback Brie Barto broke from the base, hit Cantorna, to Meyer Bizer, whose quick hands put Lauren Barber into a two-on-one for the try.

Meyers engineered a promising break off the weakside of a scrum, but sent a high pass and turnover to wing Mele Halahuni – who saw maybe two touches on the ball all day. Penn State eventually earned a lineout and drove in one of several mauls across the try line for the dot-down.

But it wasn't only about opportunity. Penn State leaned on piercing forwards like Cairns, Annie Lucas, Taylah Pipkin, Mueller, Rogers, Catie Benson to deteriorate Central Washington's defense and build solid phases, and that's where the game was won. The backs supported their forwards' linebreaks and patiently waited for the outside space to appear after the pack did its work inside. Bizer, Barber, and Rogers all scored due to overloads out wide. 

The backs didn't have to play too much defense, but when they did, they launched hard, forced handling errors, and even tackled CWU in its try zone when the West Coasters tried to run it out. Central Washington couldn’t find an advantage to exploit, so the Wildcats played a lot of defense and took its lumps. The spring champion didn't have the opportunity to release players like Nate Serevi, Ashley Rolsma, and Fina Toetu’u, who probably combined for 10 touches on the ball throughout the game.

It no doubt was an educational experience for Central Washington, which has so many reasons to consider 2014-15, its first varsity season, a resounding success. But Penn State proved today that its legacy is built on years of hard work and playing at the top, and no one is close to challenging them just yet.

Penn State 61
Tries: Cairns 2, Mueller, Barber 2, Bizer, Rogers 2, Benson, Pipkin, team try
Cons: Cantorna 3

Central Washington 7
Tries: Johnson, J.
Cons: Long