Stanford 43 - Brown Women 32
Brown lost a heartbreaker in the semi-finals to a very fast Stanford side. The match went back and forth for 70 minutes and Brown grabbed the lead with 9 minutes to go in the match – but Stanford responded with 2 blazing trys. Brown countered and marched down to score but time ran out.
Stanford opened the match scoring off the kick-off with a beautiful chip 5 meters in front of the try line to streaking US player Jess Watkins. Sixteen minutes in Browns Chelsea Garber ‘12 hit a penalty kick to make it 5-3. Stanford responded with a try to pull ahead 12-3. Flanker Izzy McKinnon responded by racing 40 yards down the line dragging 4 Stanford players into the goal to score and make it 12-8 at the half.
Two minutes into the half captain Alicia Hartley ‘10 intercepted a pass and raced 30 yards for a score, Chelsea Garber converted and Brown led 15-12. Stanford came back to score 2 trys and move ahead 24-15. Scrumhalf Alex Hartley ‘10 brought Brown back with a diving try off a nice series by the forwards, Stanford 24-Brown 22. Off the ensuing kick-off Browns Izzy McKinnon brought the stands to their feet with an electrifying 80 yard run to score and give Brown the lead 27-24. Stanford came right back for a 31-27 lead. Brown was on their heels and Stanford took advantage – scoring twice more to move ahead 43-27. Scrumhalf Alex Hartley ‘10 scored once more for Brown off a ruck to bring the score to 43-32.
The match was well played and while we are bitterly disappointed in the loss we are proud of what we have accomplished, a third consecutive final four appearance.
Contact: Kerri Heffernan
Email: Kerrissa_Heffernan
brown [dot] edu