March 7, 2026

Chico, CA
Stanford 41 - Chico State 37

Stanford Women's Rugby traveled to Chico on Saturday for a 10s match against Chico State. Chico, unable to field a full XV side this season, created an opportunity for many of Stanford's second XV players to receive valuable playing minutes as they continue to learn the game. Led by the experience of third year player Eva Lieberman '27, and second year players Paige Fitzpatrick '28 and Vivian Studdert '28, the young squad took to the field to play four, ten minute periods of 10-a-side rugby. Studdert, who spent the summer in New Zealand courtesy of the Stanford Rugby x Canterbury Crusaders Academy collaboration, led the team defensively with 3 steals in the first half, two of which led to Cardinal tries. 

Despite going down two three from the start, the Cardinal maintained composure and Fitzgerald broke through the defense on a 50meter linebreak for the try. Scrumhalf Karina Byzek '28 converted the extra 2. Chico took a 7-17 lead after the first period and was quick to score in the second period despite a try-saving effort by Studdert at the line. 

Fitzgerald added her second as the Cardinal settled and worked to maintain mulit-phase possession. They found their groove off of set piece as a well executed lineout in Chico territory led to a linebreak and try by center Emma Lewis '29. Lewis, a former basketball player from New Mexico, has shown strength in her footwork and power this season. The next try came from a defensive steal by Studdert in the Cardinal half, who worked the ball wide to find Isabelle McNabb '26. McNabb booked it down the sideline and chip and chased over the defense on a 30 meter line break. Caught at the Chico 22 meters, McNabb offloaded to Anabella Hernandez '26 for the try. Byzek added the conversion. Before the half, Studdert's defensive prowess turned over the ball yet again and found Lewis through a gap and on her way in for her second of the match. 

The teams broke at the half with a score of 31-22 to the Cardinal. 

Chico showed strong second half momentum as their #15 danced through the line. Hernandez offset Chico's scoring with her second of the match following a strong Cardinal attack from the scrum. The third period ended with a narrow 36-32 lead by the Cardinal. 

The final 10 minutes was a thriller. Hernandez topped off the Cardinal scoreboard with another try and a hat-trick for the match. Only a two-score game, Chico dominated the final 10 minutes of possession. Chico dotted one down to bring the game to a 4-point difference. Showing incredible fight and determination, the Cardinal managed the Chico attack, made critical tackles to prevent tries, and ultimately forced a turnover just meters from their tryline to win possession and the game at the final whistle, 41-37 to Stanford.

The Cardinal will host Vassar College on Wednesday March 11th for a match under the lights at Steuber Rugby. Vassar Women's Rugby is on a spring break tour to California.

The team will then travel to Berkeley next weekend to conclude regular season play. The Cardinal and rivals Cal will battle for who will earn a seed at CRAA D1 Regionals the last weekend in March. Head to Witter Rugby Field in Berkeley, CA on Saturday March 14th for an 11:00am kickoff against the Bears with a second XV match to follow. 

Follow us on Instagram @stanford_rugby and on our YouTube @StanfordClubSport. 

Tries:

Paige Fitzpatrick (2)
Anabella Hernandez (3)
Emma Lewis (2)

Conversions:
Karina Byzek (3)

Stanford Women's Rugby - Second XV vs Chico State

Eva Lieberman ? Audrey Kaplan ? Paige Fitzpatrick ? Artem Azryn ? Jana Gomri ? Karina Byzek ? Vivian Studdert ? Emma Lewis ? Anabella Hernandez ? Isabelle McNabb ? Anubha Mahajan ? Kirsten Lees ? Jacqui McLean