Wheeling, W. Va- Wheeling Women's Rugby (6-0) was scheduled to visit the Pittsburgh Panthers last Saturday. In the days leading up to their match, the Panthers informed the Cardinals they would forfeit the game. The automatic win kept the undefeated streak alive while allowing Wheeling to rest and prepare for their next foe, the Kent State Golden Flashes.
The last contest the Cardinals played was on September 29th versus Ohio University. Wheeling won convincingly 74-0 over the Bobcats. In the match, Alexis Dallas got things started, followed by tries from Liz Sinatra, Maria Crews, and Ema Tai. Their efforts closed the first half at 24-0.
Wheeling did not let off the accelerator one bit once the second half began, as they recorded over 50 points. Multi-try efforts from Joelle Taylor and Tamzin Boyce led to the onslaught. Tocarra Nelson, Nadia Richards, and Marlee Garrison added to the massive lead throughout the second 40 minutes of play. Bella Gullatta led the team in points with 15, going six of seven on conversion kicks, and added a penalty kick as well. In the first half, Marissa Hudson was called upon for conversion kicks, nailing two of the four.
Before the Ohio match, Wheeling was ranked fourth in the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Top 20 Coaches Poll. After the Bobcat beatdown and the forfeit win, the team moved to second in the October 1st poll, trailing only behind Michigan.
Wheeling will play Kent State under the lights of Bishop Schmitt Field on Saturday, October 12th. Senior Night festivities will occur before the game to honor Liz Sinatra and Jill Stewart.
