BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The women's rugby team traveled to Indiana this weekend to play Indiana University in their third conference match of the season. After battling many challenges and complications, the Panthers came out on top with a 27-17 win. Making this the third victorious match for them in their season within the Big Ten Conference. Despite the weather conditions and additional factors pushing against the Panthers, they dug deep and pushed through to take the ball to the try line. Focusing on protection of the ball and support for each other these young women fought 80 minutes to secure the favorable result.

Saturday was a rainy and intense match between the Panthers and the Hoosiers. The game was full of constant attacks from the forward pack and line breaks for the back line. With the weather conditions and defensive pressure, the forward pack carried the ball into contact play after play hoping to open up space. Captain Bethany Gable led the team by making fearless runs into contact and upholding the strength of the team. Lily O'Connor, Paige Grossi, Taylor Badal, and the rest of the pack showed their strength in forward pick and go's and power in the rucks.

The back line was able to weave themselves through the defensive line carrying the ball to the try zone. The backs were forced to connect on defense and make hard tackles against an aggressive opposition. Grace Gohl and Megan Bird showed their shifty skills by using footwork to find gaps in the defensive line to attack.

The Panthers and Hoosiers showed their aggression throughout and made for an exciting match. Working through injuries, the Panthers competed in a more physical game than their previous competitions this year. This match was a true test of the grit rugby brings out and taught the Panthers how to overcome obstacles that are not in their control.

Tries were made by Gohl (2), Bird, Gable, and Badal as well as a successful conversion by Ashleigh DeWitt. Davenport takes on Michigan State University next on October 9 at 3:00 PM on the DU Turf Field. Come out and support the Davenport Women's Rugby team for yet another fantastic match against the Spartans. 

Written by Mariah Pruitt