(GLENDALE, CO) The St. Louis Sabres women’s rugby club suffered a 46-28 setback to Charlotte at the USA Rugby Club Championships Women’s Division II title game Saturday afternoon at Infinity Field.
Photo Credit: Infinity Park at Glendale Webstream
The final featured teams that were seeking their first-ever national title.
Charlotte broke the deadlock in the ninth minute as Sara Davis’ try was followed by Maddy Clark’s conversion kick that resulted in a 7-0 advantage.
Then at 13:50, Clark’s penalty kick sailed through the goal and extended Charlotte’s lead to 10-0.
Charlotte continued the pressure and flanker Kelly Sager’s try scored from five meters out widened the score to 15-0 as Clark’s conversion kick sailed wide.
St. Louis finally scored their first five-pointer of the match as Meredith Schwartz’s two meter try posted at 27:50 broke the shutout. Anna Albrecht followed with the conversion kick that narrowed the deficit to 15-7.
Charlotte quickly responded with Erin Satterfield’s try gained from two meters out at 30:45. A failed conversion kick followed as the score remained 20-7.
With four minutes left in the half, the Sabres narrowed the gap to single digits. Highlighted by Kate Koster’s dummy, center Nesha Newton two-meter try at 36:05 made the score 20-12. Albrecht’s second successful conversion kick of the half narrowed the game to 20-14.
Charlotte maintained the six-point lead at intermission but quickly posted a pair of tries in the second half. Following Liz Ravaioli midfield romp three minutes in, and subsequent clean kick by Clark, Kala Klanton’s five-pointer posted at 53:05 from three meters out widened Charlotte’s lead to 32-14.
Charlotte seemed to have clinched the match at 61:50 as Raelyn Jehlik crashed through the line with a try as they widened the score to 39-14.
St. Louis did post another pair of tries before conclusion as Mandy Smith broke through the line from one meter out at 65:30 and Whitney Smith notched five with six minutes remaining. Unfortunately for the Sabres, time expired before a comeback could be completed.
Outscoring St. Louis 26-14 in the second period, Charlotte claimed the 46-28 for their first-ever trophy.
For more information on the Sabres, go to their official website.
