Wheeling, W. Va. - Over the last two weeks, the Wheeling University Women's Rugby team (7-0) has sat idle after back-to-back bye weeks. Despite the time off, the Cardinals maintained their top ranking in the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Top 20 coaches poll, earning the #1 spot for the third week in a row. As they head out on the road to wrap up the regular season, the Cardinals are looking to defend their title at the top of the rankings as they face their first test against a nationally ranked opponent.
Throughout the season, it has been the Cardinal's offense that has shined through, with the team averaging 63.0 points per game. As a team, the Cardinals have scored at least 30 points in every match this season and have gone over the 60-point mark in four of their six matches played, not counting the 28-0 forfeit win over Pitt. Throughout the season, the Cardinals have shown off their depth, with players up and down the roster all having tries this season as the offense moves the ball around. Three weeks ago, it was Alexis Dallas who made her mark on the young program, scoring four tries to set the new single-match record in the team's 110-0 win over Kent State on senior day. Bella Gullatta has controlled the kicking game for the Cardinals, going 38-48 (.791) on conversion kicks this season.
While the offense has taken the driver's seat, the defense has been a steady co-pilot, limiting opposing offenses throughout the year. Through the seven matches this season, the Cardinals are allowing an average of 4.0 points per game, that has included three shutout victories, with the exception of the 28-0 forfeit win over Pitt. Wheeling has been known for their hard hitting throughout the season, led by the efforts of Alexis Dallas. Dallas routinely leads the team in tackles night in and night out and has delivered some of the hardest hits this season. She, along with Gullatta and Joelle Taylor, have made big pushes on the defensive side, getting the Cardinals the ball back on offense.
Sitting behind Wheeling in the weekly coaches poll is #2 Michigan, who jumped three spots in this week's poll. Northern Iowa (#3) and Southern Nazarene (#4) round out the top four spots in the poll as the push for the NCR National 15's Playoffs is on.
The Wheeling University Women's Rugby team returns to action on Saturday, November 2nd, when they kick-off against Walsh at 1 PM.
