Story Courtesy of Rachel Crist, Rugby Contributor

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - In a stunning display of power and precision, the Davenport University women's rugby team took to the road and defeated Navy 82-11 in a friendly match on Sept. 28. Lionala Mayorga scored back-to-back tries within the first seven minutes of the game, sparking the Panthers' relentless offense and overwhelming the Midshipmen early on into the match.

Another standout performance came from Kara Higgins, who excelled at the 8-man position in her first start there. Despite being new to the role, Higgins proved she was more than up for the challenge, racking up 101 meters on nine carries, beating nine defenders, and scoring two tries. Her ability to drive the scrum and get through Navy's defensive line helped set the tone for the rest of the team. Not far behind in impact was Alyssa Archer, who contributed both offensively and defensively. Archer made eight carries for 76 meters, beating five defenders and scoring two tries. Additionally, her two forced turnovers disrupted Navy's momentum and allowed Davenport to maintain control of the match.

On the defensive side, DU's teamwork shone brightly. The Panthers' forwards put on a clinic, stealing multiple scrums and line outs from Navy, allowing the Panthers to dominate possession and deny Navy any rhythm - as multiple players made double-digit tackles, including Jean-Marie Gaines (10), Marla Aymond (10), and Archer (11). The defensive pressure forced Navy into mistakes, contributing to their limited scoring opportunities.

DU showcased its versatility and ability to adjust on the fly, a key ingredient for success. The win not only highlights their offensive abilities but also the growing strength of their defense, which will undoubtedly be pivotal as they prepare to play Divisional Conference matches against teams like West Chester and American International College in the coming weeks. 

Points Scored
Leilani Lepe: 14
Alyssa Archer: 10
Kara Higgins: 10
Lionala Mayorga: 10
Alopa Nau: 10
Aubrey Crist: 8
Carrie Coyer-Westerberg: 5
Grace Gohl: 5
Kyla Rimpel: 5
Abby Zurek: 5