Wheeling University Women’s Rugby Triumphs Over Navy
Wheeling, W. Va. – The Wheeling University Women’s Rugby team showcased their prowess on Friday night, as they faced Navy in their inaugural 15’s match-up. The Cardinals maintained their unbeaten streak, improving to 7-0 with a decisive 37-14 victory. Despite a competitive first half, Wheeling surged ahead, scoring 20 points in the second half to secure the win.
Key Players and Contributions
The standout performer for Wheeling was Captain Alexis Dallas, who made a significant impact during the game, scoring all her 10 points in the second half. The Cardinals entered halftime with a 17-7 lead, and shortly after, Dallas began to dominate the field following a successful penalty kick by Bella Gullatta. Dallas broke through Navy’s defense to score, extending Wheeling’s lead to 27-7.
Navy responded with a try soon after, but Dallas retaliated with her second score of the game, putting the Cardinals ahead 34-14. This pivotal performance helped solidify Wheeling’s dominance as the match progressed towards the final whistle.
Defensive Strategy and Final Points
Wheeling’s defense, which had been allowing an average of just half a point per game this season, continued to frustrate Navy’s offense throughout the second half. Despite several attempts by Navy to breach Cardinal territory, Wheeling’s defense held firm, capitalizing on Navy’s errors. The Cardinals managed to out-scrum their opponents 4-2, ultimately leading to their final points when Gullatta executed her third successful penalty kick, bringing the score to 37-14.
Scoring Overview
Bella Gullatta emerged as the top scorer with 17 points, going 3 for 3 on penalty kicks and successfully converting all four tries. Alexis Dallas scored twice, marking her second consecutive game with multiple tries, tallying six tries in the last two matches. Additional tries came from Marlee Garrison and Ema Tai, further contributing to the team’s offensive output.
This match marked the sixth time in seven games that the Cardinals scored 35 or more points, a robust performance compared to their previous outing, which resulted in a 12-point gain against Davenport before it was overturned due to a forfeit.
Game Recap
Wheeling started strong, quickly capitalizing on Navy’s opening possession. After the Midshipmen failed to score, a scrum led to Garrison’s first try of the evening. Gullatta converted the kick for an early 7-0 lead. Navy soon equalized with a try by Grace McDonald, but Wheeling responded with a penalty kick from Gullatta. With a yellow card temporarily sidelining one of their own, the Cardinals maintained pressure, taking advantage of a turnover late in the half. Captain Ema Tai touched down, bringing the halftime score to 17-10, setting the stage for their dominant second half.
Upcoming Matches
The Wheeling University Women’s Rugby Team will continue their season on Saturday, October 25th, as they prepare to face St. Bonaventure, with kickoff scheduled for 10 AM.
