Stanford 19, Cal 10

On February 23, 2008, Stanford kicked off versus Cal at 10am in order to avoid the rain storm predicted to come in later in the day. Unfortunately, the predicted rain storm forced the cancellation of the Crawford XV game. The first half of the match proved to be difficult and messy with scores of penalties and turnovers from both teams. The score at half time was 12-5 with breakaway tries by Jessica Watkins and Jennifer Cooperrider. After regrouping at half time and adjusting their game plan, Stanford's play was much more calm and collected. The pack began to dominate both scrums and lineouts while the back line executed and completed more plays without penalties. The final score of the game was 19-10. While Stanford pulled out a victory, they are working on cleaning up their play for next weekend's matches at Davis.

Stanford 43, Chico 19

On February 16, 2008, Stanford hosted Chico State at Steuber Stadium. The game opened with a quick Stanford try by Jennifer Cooperrider, set up by fly half Jossy Tseng with a quick tap after a penalty. Chico matched Stanford's intensity, answering with a threatening attack into their own 22. Their drive was stopped short by a stolen ball from flanker Crista Mendoza - Mendoza passed it to wing Lindsey Innes who went the length of the field for a try. Stanford's athleticism and speed was showcased further though tries by Jossy Tseng, Melissa Smit, Cooperrider, and Jessica Watkins. Chico's pack kept Stanford busy all game long with their strength and intensity, but the Stanford pack held strong and provided clean ball for the backs. In the end, Chico put up three tries during the match with two conversions. Stanford totaled seven tries with four conversions, for a final score of 43-19.

Crawford XV 43, Chico 47

When Crawford walked out onto the field, they didn't know what to expect. Would the repeat Chico first team players be tired, or would they still be on their game? Would the graduated Chico 'ringers' fly away with the ball, or would they stay grounded? Breaking out early in the game, Crawford showed that they were a force of might, ready to pass the ball wide and add momentum to the ball carrier. Yet, Chico recovered from this unexpected onslaught and pushed ahead by breaking the Crawford line and bustin' up some tries. Remembering their previous momentum, however, Crawford did not give up. Space was exploited by Jay-Marie Hill-- Aliy Bossert and Mara Stark-Alcala were backs who knew how to get forward. Regina Pair impressed her boyfriend with a try, and Kira Greco impressed herself with one of the same. Balls were passed like flies by the 'man of the entire day' Emily Wyatt. The decision making and work rates were up, and Crawford once again pushed ahead in score. Chico did not give up, though, and ended up being up when the clock ran out. 43-47. Yet, at the end of the day, Crawford did not feel the loss because the game was a win in so many other ways. In fact, they reportedly played better than the first team! It's hard work standing in the shadow of someone else's dream, but let me tell you, a true second team never looked so damn deadly.

Stanford 67, Reno 0

Saturday February 9th was the perfect day for rugby. The Stanford women welcomed the University of Nevada, Reno in their first home league game. Stanford came out with a young squad because starters Crista Mendoza, Jessica Watkins, and Melissa Smit were playing for the U23 7's team in San Diego. Stanford's center, Jennifer Cooperider, scored early in the first five minutes and set the theme of the game: speed. Cooperider, Erin Kobashigawa, and Erica Swanson took advantage of the Reno defense and scored a few more tries. Reno did not give up and they worked up to the Stanford try line. Stanford's defense held strong to end the half 32-0. Stanford started the second half strong again working the ball outside to Katie Mulfinger for a try. Many Stanford women used speed and skill to score more tries during the second half, while Jossy Tseng kicked for conversion points. The final score was 67-0 and next week the Stanford squad will be playing at home against Chico State.

Crawford XV 24, Cal B 15

The Crawford XV took the field against on Cal with the suns rays beating down instead of the heavy rain that has been characteristic of the past few weeks. The pace on both sides of the ball was slow but the two teams still managed to have several impressive breaks throughout the game. Aliy Bossert crossed the try line early in the game but failed to get it down; her teammate Ashleigh Rose was there to make sure her team received their rightful points. As always, Cal had a strong scrum and while they did score early and two more times throughout, the Card managed to pull out the win. Tries were scored by Aliy Bossert, Regina Pair, and Alyssa Tennant as well as Jossy Tseng and Mara Stark-Alcala converting 4 kicks between them. Stanford went on to win 24-15. Be sure to follow the girls as they head into matches with Chico next weekend.

Stanford 21, Humboldt 7

The Stanford women kicked off regular season play this weekend, traveling north to play the Humboldt Lumberjacks. When it came time to play, the rainy weather persisted and resulted in many dropped passes. However players did well to adjust and played with a tenacious work ethic. In the first half, Stanford struck early with a try on a great run by Melissa Smit. Humboldt responded with a try when a center broke through several tackles. The Cardinal notched another try when Jessica Watkins scored in the corner. In the second half, the Card did not allow any more tries, and scored one more converted try. The two conversions are credited to Melissa Smit. Scrumhalf Nora Levinson and center Lindsey Innes did well to execute even when challenged by the aggressive play of the opposition. Players of the match were Rachel Danford, who made a run down the right side of the field in the first half, breaking several tackles, and Melissa Smit, who gave an all-round great performance.

The final score was 21-7. The Cardinal look forward to their three-week home stand against UN-Reno, Chico and Cal next.


Freshman wing Jennifer Cooperrider does well to maintain possession in the wet weather.
Photo by Dobson Images.

Crawford XV 33, Humboldt 0

On February 2, 2008, Stanford Women's Rugby second team, the Crawford XV, traveled to Humboldt to play their first league game of the season. Stanford set the pace from the beginning with rookie forward Aly English scoring the first try. The scoring continued with trys from sophomore forward Kasonni Scales, senior forward Rachel Danford, freshman rookie Jennifer Cooperrider, and senior veteran Jossy Tseng. Tseng also kicked four conversions successfully, giving Stanford a final score of 33 points. Crawford's impressive strength in their defensive line led to a shutout, making the final score 33-0 in favor of Stanford. The Crawford XV will next play the Cal B team at Steuber Stadium on Saturday, February 9, 2008.


Senior forward Rachel Danford on her way to a try. (Photo by Dobson Images)