Story Courtesy of Rachel Crist, Rugby Contributor
HOUSTON, TX - Davenport Panthers had a stellar first day of pool play at the CRAA Premiere 7s National Championship in Houston, TX. Going undefeated in their three pool play games on day one.
In their first match against Central Washington University, the Panthers started strong by gaining possession of their opening kickoff, and
Ashley Cowdrey scored a try in the first 15 seconds. They would go on to easily control the match, winning 29-5.
Next, DU faced the Princeton Tigers who proved to be very resilient opponents. Davenport would lose scrumhalf
Ashley Cowdrey to an injury during the match but the Panthers were able to stay calm under pressure and rally to see
Carrie Coyer-Westerberg score three tries in three minutes for Davenport to overtake Princeton 24-21.
The third match of pool play against Life University was going to be a true test for our Panthers. The match started slow for Davenport. Stellar defense from Lionel Mayorga helped spark energy in the team, allowing the offense to score back-to-back tries right before halftime to tie the match.
Charlotte Dauser's raw strength would draw multiple defenders which helped create several offensive opportunities in the second half. A Life mistake would see Carrie Coyer Westerberg score her fourth try of the game, to tie the game up with no time left on the clock. Captain,
Aubrey Crist was faced with a very difficult conversion attempt, having to kick from the five-meter line into strong winds for an opportunity to win. The kick was up and the kick was good, and DU beat Life University 26-24 to move onto the Cup Bracket after pool play.
The Panthers still have one more pool play game on Saturday, May 5 at 10:10 AM EST (9:10 AM CST) against Dartmouth. After going undefeated on day one they have secured a spot in the top four and will move into the Cup Semifinals later that afternoon.
