NORTH CANTON, Ohio - The Davenport University women's rugby team kicked off their 7s season with an outstanding performance at the Walsh Cavalier tournament, marking an impressive start to the year. Competing against several strong programs, Davenport demonstrated both dominance and depth, finishing the tournament undefeated and securing the championship.
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Davenport opened the tournament with a commanding 41–0 victory over the University of Michigan, setting the tone early with strong offensive execution and solid defensive organization. The team continued their momentum with a 41–14 win against host Walsh, followed by another convincing performance against Adrian College, winning 38–14. Their consistency carried into a 27–12 victory over Aquinas College, showcasing their ability to maintain control even as competition intensified.
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In the final match, Davenport delivered one of their most complete performances, defeating Wheeling University 31–0 to claim the tournament title. The shutout victory highlighted the team's defensive strength, while their offensive efficiency remained a key factor throughout the tournament.
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The team began each match with its core group of seven starters, establishing strong early leads, but one of the most notable aspects of the tournament was the coaching staff's commitment to player development. Extensive substitutions were made throughout the games, giving valuable playing time to substitutes and freshmen. This approach allowed newer players to gain meaningful experience while maintaining a high level of performance across all matches.
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Several players stood out individually during the tournament.
Alopa Nau led the team in scoring, finishing as the top try scorer with 12 tries, followed closely by
Lionala Mayorga and
Leilani Lepe, who also made significant offensive contributions. Lepe was a key playmaker throughout the tournament, consistently impacting both sides of the ball. A special highlight came from freshman
Faith Rice, who scored her first-ever try for Davenport on a powerful, hard-running play.
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Overall, Davenport's performance at the Walsh University 7s tournament reflects a strong start to the season. Their combination of skill, depth, and teamwork positions them as a formidable competitor moving forward. If this tournament is any indication, Davenport women's rugby is set for a highly successful 7s campaign.
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