Panthers extend win streak in offensive landslide against West Chester

Story Courtesy of Nicole Carvalho, Rugby Contributor

CALEDONIA, Mich. - Davenport University women's rugby faced off defeated West Chester University in a final score of 155-6, resulting in the second win of their 15's season for a 2-0 record overall.

The Panthers entered the game with the primary objective of refining their offensive strategies while acclimating new team members to their style of play in a live match, executing the plan flawlessly. In the first two minutes of the match, Carrie Coyer-Westerberg scored a remarkable try following a perfect off-load by Lionala Mayorga. The early score boosted the team's confidence and set the stage for a series of consecutive tries. By halftime, the score had already reached 82-3. Although several substitutions were made during the match, Davenport maintained their style of play, consistently adding points to their scoreboard.

West Chester presented a formidable and composed defense, but they struggled to contend with the Panthers' offensive line. Alongside Coyer-Westerberg, another player who had extraordinary speed on the outside was DU's newest full-back and fly-half Leilani Lepe, who caused problems for the Rams by consistently finding gaps in their defense, resulting in both of them scoring four tries each. Among the forwards, Rachel Wilkie and Abby Zurek applied relentless pressure on the Rams' offense, preventing them from scoring any tries. Tackles were executed with precision and strength, leading to several turnovers in favor of the Panthers.

This game held significant importance as it marked Davenport's first official conference match of the 15's season. The Panthers used this opportunity to enhance their individual skills and improve their ability to execute plays accurately and efficiently as a team.

Scoring Breakdown for Davenport

Ashley Cowdrey - 2 tries and 11 conversions (32 points)
Leilani Lepe - 4 tries and 6 conversions (32 points)
Carrie Coyer-Westerberg - 4 tries (20 points)
Lionala Mayorga - 3 tries (15 points)
Rachel Wilkie - 2 tries and 1 conversion (12 points)
Anya Hatch - 1 try (5 points)
Jasmine Hernandez - 1 try (5 points)
Olivia Farkas - 1 try (5 points)
Grace Gohl - 1 try (5 points)
Kara Higgins - 1 try (5 points)
Marla Aymond - 1 try (5 points)
Ellis McKay - 1 try (5 points)
Abby Zurek - 1 try (5 points)
Ashleigh McLane - 2 conversions (4 points)

Next week DU takes on Lander University on Sunday, September 24th in Greenwood, South Carolina with kickoff at 10:00 a.m.

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Players Mentioned

Olivia Farkas: 8 man/Prop; 5' 8"; Junior

Grace Gohl: Wing; 5' 0"; Junior

Jasmine Hernandez: Wing; 5' 4"; Senior

Nicole Carvalho: Wing; 5' 3"; Freshman

Ashley Cowdrey: Scrumhalf; 5' 6"; Freshman

Ellis McKay: Lock; 5' 8"; Freshman

Abby Zurek: 5' 4"; Freshman

Marla Aymond: Freshman

Kara Higgins: 5' 7"; Freshman

Leilani Lepe: 5' 3"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Olivia Farkas
: 5' 8"; Junior
: 8 man/Prop

Grace Gohl
: 5' 0"; Junior
: Wing

Jasmine Hernandez
: 5' 4"; Senior
: Wing

Nicole Carvalho
: 5' 3"; Freshman
: Wing

Ashley Cowdrey
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: Scrumhalf

Ellis McKay
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: Lock

Abby Zurek
: 5' 4"; Freshman

Marla Aymond
: Freshman

Kara Higgins
: 5' 7"; Freshman

Leilani Lepe
: 5' 3"; Freshman