Stanford 126, Humboldt 0

Stanford made a fast break into their seasonal play this weekend with a victory over Humboldt State. While the outcome was favorable, Stanford's play ebbed and flowed during the duration of the match. As support for breakthrough players was sparse, Stanford instituted a new policy of 'high fives,' allowing everyone on the team to work to touch fingers with the scoring rugger. Support for these star players subsequently increased. Clearouts also took it to the bridge, as Stanford elected to put LESS players into the breakdown in order to achieve MORE.

It was a fun day, with back and forward glory. When Stanford decided to do things, they did them well. Like an ice cube sliding down a dewy hill.

Crawford 52, Cal B 12

The sky was dim over the Steuber Rugby Stadium, but the Crawford XV didn't let the weather cloud their spirits. With several players returning from abroad or injury, and after an outstanding victory by the first team, the second team was eager to prove that they too could play excellent rugby. Starting the game off with great body position in contact, the Stanford women were able to retain possession of the ball despite the physi-Cal-ity of the opposition. (Post written by Johanna Nagy) The forwards brought glory to the pack with effective pick-and-gos and outstanding support especially by Jen Bido, Diana Bowers, and Sarah Roe. Flanker Brittany Wheelock showed superb guile as a lineout jumper. Similarly, the back line consistently demonstrated its speed and prowess, resulting in a number of tries. With the second team in need of a kicker, Aliy Bossert showed her perseverance and made several beautiful kick offs. Prop Meg Waltner also impressed many with her kicking skills, making several conversions.

In the second half of the game, injuries and the lack of subs allowed several players to try their hand at new positions. Clementine Stip moved from wing to inside center, and flanker Johanna Nagy had the opportunity to play wing. However, the Stanford players responded well to the changes, and by increasing their communication, they continued to play a high level of rugby. Scrum half Karla Martinez put great pressure on Cal, and Stanford turned over many balls. The back line also kept up the intensity of play, allowing winger Nomis Okolo to score numerous tries. The game ended with a score of 51-12 Stanford and smiles on the faces of the proud Crawford players. Tries were scored by Aly English, Carla Martinez, Andrea Romero, Nomis Okolo, and Clementine Stip. With every single player on the team taking initiative, communicating, and bursting with a contagious enthusiasm, the Crawford XV set high standards during their first game of the season and had a lot of fun.

Stanford Invitational

Stanford would like to thank all of the teams who came to the Invitational this year. The level of play was outstanding, and the competition between teams was significantly higher than it has been in past years. We hope that this trend continues, as women's rugby becomes a more dynamic and nuanced sport. We had a lot of fun this year and hope that we get to see all the participating teams next year. Thanks for coming!

Stanford Recap:
The Sun gods smiled brightly at Stanford this weekend, as Stanford Women's Rugby hosted the fourth annual Stanford Invitational. At times there were three pitches running matches, and teams from California, Oregon, Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico came to compete in the tournament. Each team played three 40-minute games the first day and then competed in bracketed play the next.

Stanford got off to a shaky start as they let their first match go to Oregon 5-10. Oregon's size and sheer desire for the ball helped them disrupt Stanford scrums and dominate rucks. However, Stanford then regrouped and everyone started trusting that everyone else would do their jobs. Hard-hitting strike moves from the back line and some fresh players helped in defeating Wyoming 41-3. The next game was a step down for Stanford's level of play, as players did not consistently clear out beyond the ball (UCLA were very physical and did not give up a meter without a fight), but the pace and work rate was up, and Stanford pulled out another win against UCLA 14-0.

Stanford's 2-1 Saturday record seeded them fourth in bracket play, and they started out their Sunday games against UCSB. Again with some fresh players, Stanford packed on the heat and played an outstandingly fast-paced game, resulting in a 40-0 win. The next match proved to be all that Stanford hoped for. The strong New Mexico team put up a fight around the rucks and made some great steals all throughout the game. Stanford continued to bring a great work rate, while New Mexico's kickers looked for and found space on the field. Throughout the match, the score fluctuated, as both teams continuously raised their level of play. In the end, Stanford pulled ahead to 21-15 in order to advance to the finals.

Reminiscent of previous years, Stanford played Chico State in the final match of the Invitational. The two teams, well known to each other, worked incredibly hard to retain the ball in contact, as both sides fought for possession of the ball. However, Stanford’s 'new' 'smart' work rate and the advice from their coach (Griffin) to run until they had to be dragged off the field allowed Stanford to pull ahead and win the game 26-0. The back MVP of the tournament was Heidi Overton (New Mexico), and the forward MVP was Kelsey Harter (Chico). Stanford also picked their own MVPs. The back MVP of was Ramine Cromartie (great tactical decisions and tackles), and the forward MVP was Alyssa Tennant (popping up everywhere with great strides forward).