UW Womens Rugby Club Trounces Texas A&M to Reach Elite Eight Round

The University of Wyoming women’s rugby club is moving on to the Elite Eight round in the USA Rugby 2019 Division I national playoffs.

The Cowgirls trounced the Texas Union champion Texas A&M University Aggies 64-7 last weekend in College Station, Texas, in the Sweet 16 round to move on to the final eight this weekend. They will face the University of Minnesota Saturday, Nov. 23, at 1:15 p.m., competing in the Western Region semifinals in Columbia, Mo.

The winner of that game will play for the Western Region championship Sunday, and the loser will play for the consolation prize. The regional champion then moves on to the Final Four and a chance to compete for the national title.

With only a few days to fundraise, prepare and travel, the UW club is seeking funding from individuals and sponsors to help offset its trip to the Elite Eight round. Details are available on the team’s Facebook page.

UW women’s rugby club Coach John Pope was pleased with his team’s gritty performance last weekend.

“UW brought mental toughness and tackling skills to confront the Aggies’ large, hard running pack and neutralize their scoring plan,” Pope says. “The team delivered a stellar offensive effort to control the game from the first kickoff.”

The Cowgirls have been an amazing story this season, considering the fact that the club was just promoted to Division I status only two years ago, closing out that season with an 0-4 record.

UW finished the regular fall season with a 4-2 record, losing only to the defending national champions from the Air Force Academy twice -- once during conference play and again during the Rocky Mountain Conference championship game.

For more information, call Pope at (307) 742-6707 or email jpope@theblueskygroup.com.