Shiaun Cheng / Daily Nexus
An early try for the Sun Devils women’s rugby set the scene for the upcoming 80 minutes as Gaucho’s women’s rugby conceded some early points.
In their last home game of the season, UC Santa Barbara women’s rugby hosted Arizona State University (ASU) for an inaugural rivalry in which ASU is yet to be beaten. In this season’s meet-up, the score stood at 17-7 as ASU came out victorious again.
UCSB had possession for 52% of the game, their best of the season, but it was their ability to drive toward their try line that allowed ASU to come out on top. The Sun Devils secured 73% of their lineouts in which they retained possession and forced play into their attacking half.
Freshman-senior sister duo Emily and Denise Corrales combined to secure the Gauchos’ only points in the game. A try from Emily Corrales followed by a conversion from Denise Corrales to secure 7 points on the scoreboard for the home team.
It was in the last five minutes of the game that it seemed to be over for the Gauchos, when ASU secured their third try of the game, but no conversion.
From the first whistle, there was an immediate breakaway from ASU, as Naomi Palmer broke forward and gained considerable distance into their attacking half. Within minutes, Eliana Mullinkins secured the first try, right under the goalposts with a conversion to follow. The score stood at 7-0 to the visiting team.
The Gauchos fought back as screams of encouragement sounded from the sideline. Named the most spirited sports club at the Surge club sports night, the UCSB women’s rugby team proved their title. A quick take from Maddie Elkin and a drive forward raised the attacking energy of the game as the Gauchos strove to equalize.
Some great hits from Angela Larson weakened the ASU defense considerably, and headway towards the Gaucho try line was made.
As the first half drew to a close, a key breakaway from Moirin Coyne down the right wing reignited play. Emily Corrales secured a try in the top left corner, followed by a conversion from Denise Corrales to level the score at 7-7 as the halftime whistle sounded.
After halftime, the Sun Devils came fighting back, securing another try in the 46th minute, but no conversion. As play went on, both sides offered significant defense, but after 30 minutes of play, it was another try for ASU that sealed that win, leaving the score at 17-7 as the final whistle blew.
Next week the Gauchos will travel to UC Los Angeles for their final game of the season, and the question remains whether they can end the season on a high and close out with a win.
