By: Dan Richeal
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HANOVER, N.H.— In a fiercely contested NIRA Division I Championship match held at Burnham Field on Saturday evening, the Dartmouth women’s rugby team narrowly succumbed to the Harvard Crimson, finishing with a final score of 19-12.
The first 20 minutes of the match witnessed an intense struggle for field position, with both teams displaying remarkable defensive skills and coming tantalizingly close to touching down, yet neither could find the try line.
In the 23rd minute, the Crimson struck first as they executed a series of well-coordinated plays, culminating in a successful try followed by a conversion, which put Harvard ahead at 7-0.
Less than 10 minutes later, Harvard increased their lead to 12-0 with a powerful second try, showcasing their offensive prowess and tactical execution on the field.
As the first half came to a close, the Big Green finally found their footing and got on the scoreboard. Demonstrating swift teamwork, Annie Henrich utilized her impressive speed to navigate the outside before making a crucial pass to Katelyn Walker, who raced to the try zone and narrowed the margin to 12-5.
Just over six minutes into the second half, a pivotal moment occurred when Cindy Taulava barreled into the try zone after an impressive long run from teammate Vasiti Turagavou. Following this remarkable try, Henrich confidently took the conversion kick, successfully leveling the match at 12-12 and igniting hopes for a comeback.
However, at the 57:30 mark, the Crimson responded decisively, scoring what would become the eventual game-winning try. They converted successfully, increasing their lead to 19-12 and sealing Dartmouth’s fate.
Despite the loss, Dartmouth finishes the season with an impressive overall record of 8-1, remaining undefeated at 7-0 during the regular season. This marks a notable achievement as the Big Green have secured seven or more victories in three of the last four seasons, reflecting both growth and consistency within the program.
Looking ahead, the Big Green are set to return to the pitch in the spring, where they will compete in the highly dynamic and fast-paced 7’s format, ready to tackle new challenges and build on their successful season.
**What key strategies did Coach Gavin Hickie emphasize during the halftime of the NIRA Championship match to enhance the team’s performance?**
**Interview with Coach Gavin Hickie of Dartmouth Women’s Rugby**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Coach Hickie, and thank you for joining us. I want to start by discussing the recent NIRA Division I Championship match against Harvard. It was a close game that ended with a score of 19-12. Can you share your thoughts on the team’s performance?
**Gavin Hickie:** Thank you for having me! Yes, it was a tough match. Both teams showed strong defensive skills, especially in the first 20 minutes, where neither side could break through. I was proud of our girls for their effort and resilience. They fought hard and created several opportunities to score, but unfortunately, we couldn’t capitalize on them as much as we needed to.
**Interviewer:** The first half seemed particularly challenging for both teams. What adjustments did you make during halftime?
**Gavin Hickie:** At halftime, we emphasized the need to focus on maintaining possession and utilizing our forwards more effectively. We wanted to create a stronger platform for our backs to launch attacks. The girls executed those adjustments well in the second half, which allowed us to get back in the game and close the gap.
**Interviewer:** In the match, Harvard managed to score the first try in the 23rd minute. How did that impact your team’s morale and strategy moving forward?
**Gavin Hickie:** Scoring first can be a big psychological advantage. We had to regroup quickly after that try. Our team is strong mentally, and while that initial setback was tough, it also served as a rallying point. We refocused and reminded ourselves of our game plan, which helped us tighten up our defense and look for openings in their line.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, how do you plan to build on this experience as the season progresses?
**Gavin Hickie:** Every game, win or lose, provides valuable lessons. We’ll review the game footage, analyze our mistakes, and work on our execution in training. The goal is to improve our skills, deepen our teamwork, and maintain the competitive spirit that has defined our season. Our squad is tough, and I believe we can bounce back stronger.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what can fans look forward to from the Dartmouth women’s rugby team in the upcoming matches?
**Gavin Hickie:** Fans can look forward to a lot of heart and determination. We have a fantastic group of players who are committed to working hard and supporting each other. As we continue with our season, I expect to see our best rugby yet, with exciting plays and strong performances. We truly appreciate the support from our fans; it plays a vital role in our motivation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Coach Hickie. We wish you and the team all the best in the upcoming matches!
**Gavin Hickie:** Thank you! We appreciate it and look forward to making our fans proud.