Written by Nicole Carvalho, Rugby Contributor

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Davenport University women's rugby showcased their prowess on their home turf field in the NIRA Division II playoffs against West Chester, the final score being an impressive 117-3 victory for the Panthers. This win not only secured their seventh victory of the 15's season but also solidified the Panthers' undefeated 7-0 overall record.

This playoff encounter was pivotal, determining whether the team would embark on the road to nationals for yet another year. The game commenced with an electrifying display as Lionala Mayorga broke through West Chester's defensive line, sprinting from one end of the field to the other and securing the Panthers' first try. West Chester, however, responded after a penalty caused by Davenport, converting a kick for 3 points - their sole contribution to the scoreboard for the entire game.

The Panthers dominated the remainder of the first half, strategically maintaining possession and exploiting openings in West Chester's defense. Strong performances in scrums and lineouts allowed them to gain crucial ground and score multiple tries.
In the backline, Carrie Coyer-Westberg stood out with an exceptional performance, utilizing her remarkable speed and strength on the outside to score five tries. Aubrey Crist took charge of kicking duties, successfully converting 10 out of 14 attempts and contributing 20 points individually. Among the forwards, Rachel Wilkie applied relentless pressure on the Rams' offense, preventing their attempts to score tries and creating turnovers by pouching the ball. This game held additional significance as it marked the Panthers' final home game of the season, accompanied by a bittersweet farewell to the graduating seniors who have played a vital role in the team's success.

Looking ahead to the national tournament hosted by Harvard University, Davenport faces a formidable challenge against Lander University in their quest for the championship. The Bearcats, having defeated American International in a closely contested playoff match (10-7), present a formidable matchup for Davenport - DU defeating Lander 66-6 in the regular season back in September. As the Panthers prepare for this crucial encounter, the prospect of national glory adds an extra layer of excitement to an already remarkable season.

DU will face Lander on Saturday, Nov. 18. Kickoff time is scheduled to be 1:30 p.m. at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA.

Scoring Breakdown for Davenport vs. West Chester University
Carrie Coyer-Westerberg - 5 tries (25 points)
Leilani Lepe - 4 tries and 1 conversion (22 points)
Aubrey Crist – 10 conversions (20 points)
Ashley Cowdrey - 2 tries (10 points)
Marla Aymond - 2 tries (10 points)
Lionala Mayorga - 1 try (5 points)
Ashleigh DeWitt - 1 try (5 points)
Jasmine Hernandez - 1 try (5 points)
Rachel Wilkie - 1 try (5 points)
Abby Zurek - 1 try (5 points)
Anise Tuia - 1 try (5 points)