GREENVILLE, S.C. – Davenport took on the challenge of competing in a higher division this year and took the challenge head on. The Panthers ran the table during the regular season and the postseason to earn their first-ever USA Rugby D1 15's National Championship. Davenport went a perfect 10-0 this fall and outscored opponents 835-107. The Panthers defeated Michigan State University 115-7 during the play in round back on November 11, then defeated the University of Minnesota 49-5 in the quarterfinals, followed that up with a win over the Air Force Academy 15-5 in the semifinals and finally beat the University of Notre Dame 89-24 today in the championship game.
 
Three minutes into the game Davenport got their first try of the game, Danielle Ordway scored just 2:10 into the game and Hannah Tennant converted to give the Panthers an early 7-0 lead. On the following possession Ordway sprinted down the left side of the field and found her teammate Alanna Girardin back towards the inside of the field for the try, again Tennant converted to give DU a 14-0 lead. During minute 18 Ordway intercepted a pass and ran for the uncontested try, Tennant converted and Davenport led 26-0. In the 30^th minute of play Hunter Moreland broke four tackles for the centered try, again Tennant converted and DU led 39-3. At halftime DU held a 44-10 lead over the University of Notre Dame.
 
In the 52^nd minute Olivia Ortiz took a pass from Moreland, stalled the first defender and fended off another en route to a try to give DU a 63-17 lead. Ordway earned her sixth try of the match after getting around the left corner, giving Davenport a solid 89-24 lead. Davenport held every opponent this season to under 25 points. Ordway earned MVP of the game for her six try's.
 
Story by: Devin Steiner
 
Picture credit: Ryan McCosky