Womens Ivy Championship: Harvard hosts Dartmouth

Sunday, November 6, 2016

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard women's rugby eyes the Ivy Tournament Championship as it hosts Dartmouth at Mignone Field on Sunday, November 6. The tournament features four games throughout the day, with the Crimson playing in the final match against the Big Green at 2:15 p.m.

Harvard clinched a spot in the Ivy Tournament Championship match as it defeated Princeton, 55-0, in the semifinal round at Mignone Field on Oct. 29. The Crimson defense, as it has done all year, dominated from the opening whistle en route to its second consecutive shutout. Harvard has allowed just five points total in its previous three games. Nine different Crimson touched down for a try, led by freshman Delia Hellander with two tries against the Tigers.

The Crimson looks to return to the top of the Ivy Conference with a championship victory for the first time since the 2013-14 season. Harvard finished third two years ago, but didn't place after consecutive tournament losses last season. Harvard recorded its second-straight shutout with a 55-0 victory over Princeton. It was the fifth time in 2016 that Harvard allowed less than 10 points to an opponent, and its third shutout on the season.  The Crimson has allowed an average of just seven points per contest.

Harvard looks to redeem its only loss of the season, a 22-19 decision to Dartmouth on Oct. 1, as it takes on the Big Green in the championship match. Harvard has won its other six contests by at least 20 points, including four by 50-plus. 

Dartmouth, the reigning Ivy 15's champions, enters the championship matchup against Harvard with a 6-1 record. The Big Green posted a perfect 5-0 mark in Ivy Conference play, including handing the Crimson its only loss on the year (22-19). Dartmouth is coming off a 45-14 win over Brown in the Ivy semifinal, and has won its last five games. Freshman Isabel Boettcher leads the Big Green with 10 tries this season.

There's No Place Like Home
Roberto A. Mignone Field was unveiled in September of 2016. The new pitch was updated to meet World Rugby field certification standards, including a new synthetic infill Fieldturf surface along with goal posts, team areas and perimeter safety netting. The field also features an elevated press box, lights and offers seating capacity for up to 900 fans in permanent bleachers. The Crimson is 3-0 at Mignone Field this season.

Watch Live Broadcast
The Ivy League Digital Network wil be broadcasting the Championship game in full HD, featuring a live score bug and play-by-play and color commentary. Watch the game here »