Thrilling Home Opener: Women’s Rugby Battles but Falls Short Against Sacred Heart – Brown University Athletics

The Brown Bears faced a tough opponent in their home opener, falling to the Sacred Heart Pioneers with a final score of 45-21.

The game started off with the Pioneers taking control, scoring two tries in the first 12 minutes. Brown made their mark when Jenna Lowry notched the Bears’ first try, reducing the gap to 10-7 after Julia Murray’s successful conversion. However, Sacred Heart responded swiftly with two more tries, leading 24-7 at halftime.

After the break, the Pioneers kept up their momentum. Brown fought back as Courtney Cummings scored a try, showcasing the team’s resilience. In the last 20 minutes, Brown’s defense stepped up, stopping Sacred Heart from scoring. As the game wound down, Brown gained some energy. Olivia Baptiste scored another try, and freshman Charlotte Davies successfully converted, capping off a strong finish for the Bears.

Head Coach Rosalind Chou noted the team’s potential, remarking, “We saw some strong moments from a number of our student-athletes today against an impressive Sacred Heart team. We installed many new systems this preseason. The team settled in during the second half, and our bench really infused intensity.”

Understanding the importance of building a supportive environment for student-athletes, the Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) plays a vital role in enhancing their experience. This support is crucial as it helps athletes excel not just in sports but also academically and within their community.

Looking at broader trends, collegiate rugby has been growing in popularity across the U.S. According to a recent survey, participation in college rugby has increased by nearly 30% over the past five years. This surge reflects a growing appreciation for the sport, highlighting a need for institutions to support their teams better.

Fans have taken to social media to express their love for the game and their team. Posts on platforms like X and Instagram show a mix of praise for the Bears’ effort and encouragement for future matches, creating a strong community around college rugby.

As the Bears move forward, they can draw from the lessons learned in this match, setting their sights on improvement for the next game.

For more on the Bears’ journey and updates, follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

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