Match Report: An Electric Performance by Stanford Rugby in the Women's D1 National Championship
 
May 5, 2024
Stanford Women's Rugby vs Grand Canyon
USA Rugby CRAA Division 1
 
Stanford 36 – GCU 19
Houston Sabercats Stadium
Houston, TX
 
After a nearly 5-hour weather delay, Stanford and Grand Canyon took to the pitch for warm-ups for the third time as the storm cleared. It was indeed the charm as the kickoff was now set for 7:40pm CDT to crown the next USA Rugby Women's D1 Champion. The energy was high, matching the Cardinal supporters in the stands who endured the delay and all those watching along from afar.
 
Under the lights, the Cardinal claimed the title; the fifth National Championship in Stanford Women's Rugby history, and the first since 2008. The night before the match, the Cardinal heard from numerous Stanford alumnae from the 1999, 2005, 2006, and 2008 Championship winning squads. The team was reminded of those who played before them who helped shape the program to where it is today.
 
While the wind and storm had calmed, the Cardinal were anything but quiet. Early in the match, the Cardinal's defense pressure forced an early GCU knock-on. Awarded with a right-hand scrum within the attacking 22m, scrumhalf Emma Cruz '24 delivered a ball to flyhalf Laura Bocek '24 who faked the ball to Kaela Verner '24 and sneaked through the GCU defense to score under the posts. Elly MacKay '25 converted the try to send the Cardinal on a 7-0 lead.
 
The Cardinals stayed firm with the game plan to use Bocek's cannon of a leg to play out of the red zone. Bocek went on to earn MVP honors for the match after a magnificent display of skill and tactic. The kick chase was undoubtably a highlight for the Cardinal on several occasions as Bocek sent the ball down field with the speed of Cruz, and wingers Journey Washingtonhigh '24 and Brianna Gamble '24 in pursuit to pressure GCU.
 
In the 10^th minute, a quick tap by Captain Mahie Wilhelm '24 5 meters out set the stage for a quick delivery from Cruz to flanker Kirsten Lees '27 who offloaded to center Kaela Verner '24 whose quick hands out to Washingtonhigh found the winger in for the try.
 
In the 22^th minute, the Cardinal were awarded another penalty 5 meters from the GCU tryline. A penalty tap was taken by front row Leila Wang Gaouette '26, who set the platform for Wilhelm to pick the ball from the back of the ruck to score between the feet of a GCU defender.
 
The Cardinal continued to apply ample defensive pressure to the 'Lopes at set pieces and at rucks.
 
In the 35^th minute, GCU would take a shot at goal with the ball hitting the uprights and bouncing out. The live ball was scooped up by the Cardinal but nearly immediately turned over to the 'Lopes near the Cardinal tryline.
 
In ball would remain in Stanford territory and in the 38^th minute, GCU would punch the ball over the line to get on the board; 17-5 to the Cardinal. With no time remaining the in half, GCU surged toward the Cardinal half after a series of strong carries. The Cardinal defense rose to the challenge to force the turnover and send the Cardinal to a 17-5 lead at the half.
 
To start the second half, the 'Lopes would strike early following a Cardinal handling error off the restart. GCU made good on the possession as off the scrum, the GCU hooker powered over for the score. The converted try would give GCU surge of momentum as they closed to within a try 17-12.
 
On the subsequent kickoff, Bocek would send the ball into touch on the bounce within the GCU 22m. Stanford contested the lineout and the GCU flyhalf sensed the pressure. A 'Lopes redzone kick was charged down by Stanford flanker Sydney Davis '24, leaving a loose ball for center MacKay to scoop up for the score and conversion. This tipped the momentum back in favor of the Cardinal where they looked to firmly keep it.
 
At the 51^st minute, Stanford capitalized on midfield ruck that housed GCU backs. Cruz found David wrapping around. Davis was quick to distribute to Washingtonhigh in 35 meters of space and the winger glided around the GCU defense on the edge in full stride. MacKay converted the try for the 31-12 lead.
 
In the 56^th minute, Bocek sent a grubber kick through the GCU defense with fullback Josie Davidson '26 and winger Gamble on the chase. The GCU winger would track the ball down but under the Cardinal pressure, but the ball was carried out and then back into the tryzone resulting in a Cardinal 5-meter scrum. The Cardinal brought down the axe following the scrum as prop Wang Gaouette drove over for the 36-12 lead.
 
In the 64^th minute, GCU would find the tryline once more for the converted try bringing the score to 36-19 to the Cardinal. With just under 10 minutes of play remaining, the Cardinal stifled remaining momentum by GCU and wound down the clock.
 
Wilhelm hoisted the trophy in her final match as captain for Stanford Women's Rugby as the team celebrated the victory in unison.  Stanford claimed the title after 16 years. The team now joins the incredible players that came before them as the 5^th Championship team in program history.
 
Tries: Laura Bocek, Journey Washingtonhigh (2), Mahie Wilhelm, Elly MacKay, Leila Wang Gaouette
Conversions: Elly MacKay (3)
 
2024 National Championship Roster:

1. Leila Wang Gaouette
2. Hannah Ricioli
3. Vanessa Onuoha
4. Emma Troast
5. Madisyn Cunningham
6. Kirsten Lees
7. Sydney Davis
8. Mahie Wilhelm ©
9. Emma Cruz
10. Laura Bocek
11. Journey Washingtonhigh
12. Kaela Verner
13. Elly MacKay
14. Brianna Gamble
15. Josie Davidson
16. Mckenzie Quinn
17. Jessica Anne Telizyn
18. Eva Lieberman
19. Elena Abarca
20. Renee Bertrand
21. Ahmyah Hicks
22. Ana Palacios
23. Jacqui McLean