Women's Rugby drops heartbreaker in NIRA Semifinal

GREENWOOD, South Carolina - In a tightly contested battle of defenses, the American International College women's rugby team fell 10-7 to Lander University in the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association Semifinal on Saturday, November 11.

Lander struck early, scoring a try in the eighth minute that was put down by Sami Tripi. The Bearcats converted for a 7-0 lead.

After that, the teams both struggled to finish. It looked as if the score would remain 7-0 heading into halftime when AIC broke through. Ro'Elenoa Lagilagi busted through the right side of Lander's line, rolling away from a last-ditch tackle to put the ball down in the 38th minute. Camryn Henderson converted, tying the contest.

In the second half, both teams were again stifled by strong defense. Lander hit a penalty kick in the 67th minute, and it proved decisive as the Bearcats held on despite a heavy push by AIC's forwards especially late in the game.