Harvard Women’s Rugby Advances to NIRA Semifinals, Runs Past American International 54-7

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Harvard women's rugby team (7-1) finished the home slate undefeated, taking down American International (4-4), 54-7. The Crimson advances to the NIRA semifinals with the victory. 

It only took 35 seconds for first-year Sofie Fella to give Harvard a lead they would never squander. Her try was followed up with back-to-back trys from senior Rachael Harkavy.

With a 15-point lead halfway through the first half, senior Caitlin Weigel charged through the American International defense untouched at midfield and took it all the way to the try zone to extend the lead. Just three minutes later, Weigel would create some room and dish it off to first-year Cassidy Bargell, who sprinted down the left side of the field for another first half try. 

The second half began just how it ended, as a mad-dash for the try zone ended with senior Genevieve Quirion touching down for the try to add to the Crimson lead. Shortly after, Fella would juke two defenders and dish it to Bargell for another try. 

Junior Delia Hellander served a couple mean stiff arms through the defense to add a try of her own midway through the second half. The Crimson would conclude the game with try's from Weigel and senior Susie Clements to cement the victory. 

Harvard Highlights

• Harvard earns a perfect record of 5-0 at Mignone Field this season. 
• Weigel's two try's adds to her team-leading try total of nine. 
• Bargell adds two try's in her return to the lineup from injury. 

Match Notes

• Harvard advances to the NIRA semifinal on Friday Nov. 16 at Dartmouth. 
• This is the first 15s victory against American International for Harvard. 
• The win extends the Crimson's win streak to five games. 

Next Up

On Friday, Nov. 16, Dartmouth will host both semifinal matches at Brophy Field. The Big Green will play the Army at 12 p.m., while the Harvard will take on the winner of the Quinnipiac at 2 p.m. The championship game will be played on Sunday Nov. 18. Matches will be broadcast on ESPN+. 

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