January 19, 2025
Stanford Women's Rugby vs Cal Poly
San Luis Obispo, CA
Stanford 36 - Cal Poly 27
The Cardinal traveled to San Luis Obispo for a preseason scrimmage against Cal Poly, the defending DII Champions. The teams played three 30-minutes periods instead of the typical two 40-minute halves of a 15s match. This ensured ample playing opportunity for all players ahead of the league season. Â
The Cardinal struck first in the first minutes of the game playing in the Mustangs half. Jacqui McLean '27 pressed the defense, pinning the defender before finding Laura Bocek '25 who was in for the try.
Bocek is one of four Cardinals on the roster who are returning from international experiences in the Fall. She is joined by returners Georgia Scarr '26, Zoe Colloredo-Mansfeld '26, and Leila Wang Gaouette '26 who bring their leadership and experience for the season ahead. Wang Gaouette will captain the squad for the league season.Â
Following the early Cardinal strike, the Mustangs dominated possession for the majority of the first period. The Cardinal struggled to string together multiphase possession and the Mustangs capitalized on go forward carries on a few occasions. The Mustangs' efforts were rewarded in the 18th minutes with a line break and finish between the posts for a converted try.Â
In the 25th minute, #8 Kirsten Lees '27 spotted her opportunity to break through the defensive line. Evasive footwork found Lees beyond the Mustang fullback and in for the 50m try for a 10-7 lead. Lees is one of three Stanford women's players who spent the summer in New Zealand at the Crusaders Academy. The Mustangs answered back with an unconverted try in the final minute before the break to bring the score to 10-12.Â
The Mustangs maintained momentum into the second period as they dotted down two tries in the next ten minutes of play. The Cardinal forwards proudly answered back with two tries of their own. The first at the hands of lock Madisyn Cunningham '27 following a maul. The try injected a much needed boost of energy into the Cardinal squad that was reflected in an improved defensive performance for the remainder of the period. Scarr would find the tryzone following a Mustang penalty in their half.Â
The Cardinal would go into the final period tied 22-22. The final period featured a lineup of eleven rookies in their first season with the Cardinal. The defending National Champion team is excited to add depth and competitiveness to the roster. The rookie players, none of which have played rugby before, worked hard in the Fall to develop their skills and game understanding.Â
Cal Poly took the lead 22-27 with ten minutes remaining. With less than six minutes remaining in the game, the Mustangs charged towards the Cardinal tryline. The Cardinal defense turned up the pressure and forced a turnover. Senior Journey Washingtonhigh '25 ended up with the ball 5 meters from the line. In familiar fashion to her teammates who were up and out of their seats with excitement, the winger tucked the ball and blazed past the Mustang defense on the end for a 95m try. Cara Feit '25, who played both fullback and flyhalf in the game, converted the try to put the Cardinal up 29-27.Â
With the clock winding down, Washingtonhigh had the final say with another try to secure the victory. Fullback Chisa Ogaki '28 slotted the conversion to bring the final score to 36-27Â in an action packed match between the two teams. A match up we hope to continue to see annually as the competitiveness in California continues to elevate.Â
The Cardinal will kick off their league season in the D1 Pacific Mountain Rugby Conference on Saturday January 24, 2025 at home against UC Davis. Kick off is set for 10:00 AM.
Follow @stanford_rugby for the Try of the Week.
Tries:
Laura Bocek
Kirsten Lees
Georgia Scarr
Madisyn Cunningham
Journey Washingtonhigh (2)
Conversions:Â
Laura Bocek
Cara Feit
Chisa Ogaki
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Stanford Women's Rugby Roster vs Cal Poly
- Vanessa Onuoha
- Catherine Armstrong
- Leila Wang Gaouette
- Zoe Colloredo-Mansfeld
- Paige Fitzpatrick
- Emma Troast
- Georgia Scarr
- Kirsten Lees
- Emma Cruz
- Elena Abarca
- Journey Washingtonhigh
- Jacqui McLean
- Laura Bocek
- Dominique Ruedaflores
- Ahmyah Hicks
- Tei Serrano
- Madisyn Cunningham
- Eva Lieberman
- Lauren Stoffel
- Vivian Studdert
- Cara Feit
- Chisa Ogaki
- Emily Capstick
- Nancy Bao
- Caia Costello
- Phoeben Worku
- Elizabeth Doherty
- Isabelle McNabb
- Daniela Flores
