April 11, 2026

Heart Health Stadium
Sacramento, CA

Stanford 47 - Western Washington University 19

The Stanford Women's Rugby team traveled to the state capital to play in the CRAA Division I Challenger Cup Final in their final XV game of the season. The team was ready for what they knew would be an intense and physical battle against Western Washington, whom they had faced in years past, but for the first time this season. The team went 5-1 in conference play this season, beat GCU in the CRAA Regionals, and fell to Life University in the Final Four. The Challenger Cup this year created a consolation Division I Final for true collegiate club sides in the CRAA.

The morning greeted the Cardinal with rain and chill, with heavy rain in the morning forecast. The match kicked off with the Cardinal gaining possession in WWU territory just a minute into the match. The Cardinal moved their way forward and, after a 21-phase possession, scored the first try with Kirsten Lees ('27) diving over for the try. Cara Feit ('26) converted for a 7-0 lead.

As the rain picked up, the Cardinal continued their direct attack led by the forward pack. Over eleven strong phases, rotating through the efforts of each forward in their pick-and-go and clearouts, Sydney Davis ('25) dove over the line with the help of a nudge from Isabelle McNabb ('25).

Western Washington answered in the 20th minute, capitalizing on Cardinal penalties and missed tackles. The converted try brought the score to 14-7. The next seven minutes of play slowed due to the wind and rain. Missed tackles stifled Cardinal efforts to maintain defensive connection. Western Washington found themselves in the try zone as their #13 dove in after a strong 22m effort while the Cardinal attempted to defend its try zone. With 10 minutes left in the half, the score was even at fourteen apiece.

Good all morning, Cara Feit ('25) hung the kickoff, which was mishandled by WWU and gathered by #8 Kirsten Lees ('26). Lees secured possession, and the Cardinal forwards started their familiar endeavors toward the try line in the WWU half. After six phases, the Cardinal advanced to the 22m, and scrumhalf Vivian Studdert ('27) moved it to flyhalf Jacqui McLean ('26), who found Jara Emtage-Cave ('25) ready to work. Emtage-Cave used her footwork, fends, and sheer determination to fight off four WWU defenders en route to the try line, returning the lead to the Cardinal at 19-14 with 8 minutes remaining in the 1st half.

In the 35th minute, a familiar drive led by the forwards brought the pack inches from the try line. Hooker Audrey Kaplan ('29) spotted the opportunity, gathered the ball, and dove at the feet of the Vikings for the try between the sticks. Feit slotted the conversion to bring the halftime lead to 26-14.

The first half showed the impact of a kicking game for the Cardinal. At fullback, Feit controlled the backfield, gathering Viking kicks, initiating strong counterattacks by foot and air, and sending clearance kicks to relieve pressure from the Cardinal. One kick found grass in the Vikings' backfield and sat just inches from the defending try line. The kicking game allowed the Cardinal to move around the park and play in the Vikings' half.

Two minutes into the second half, Emtage-Cave received a yellow card for a high tackle, sending her to the sideline for 10 minutes. At the 43rd minute, the Cardinal stole a lineout in their defensive 22 meters only to have a mishandled pass stumble into the try zone, where the Viking #6 jumped on it for the try, bringing the score to 26-19. The conversion in front of the posts was missed.

In the 47th minute, an attacking lineout from the Cardinal at midfield triggered a 17-phase possession. The entire team was involved in the endeavor as the ball moved between the forwards and the backs from left to right and back, with the forwards controlling the possession as they neared the Vikings' try line. Club President Zoe Colloredo-Mansfeld ('26) was the recipient of the team try, and the lock extended out for the try. Feit successfully converted for a 33-19 lead.

The Cardinal was not satisfied. Back to full numbers, they focused on their defensive launch to apply pressure and force turnovers. In the 61st minute, McNabb spotted an opportunity to steal the ball at the breakdown following a Vikings lineout at the Cardinal's attacking 22m. The steal prompted a quick tap by Studdert, who set Captain Leila Wang Gaouette ('26) up for a strong carry. In poetic fashion, the prop led her team in another surge for the try line. The forwards worked the Cardinal into scoring position, recruiting the Viking defenders into a narrow space. They then moved it out to the backs, where center Emma Lewis ('29) had a smooth trip to the try line. Feit converted for a 40-19 lead.

The Cardinal closed out the match with a second try for Lees, again with the support of a dominating forward pack reinforced by reserves Ana Palacios ('26), Alice Rowe ('29), Jana Gomri ('25), Artem Arzyn ('25), and Dani Bennett ('26). Shout out to Bennett, who donned the Cardinal jersey for her first XV match.

Congratulations to the Stanford Women's Rugby team on their Challenger Cup Championship! Special recognition to Feit, who was six of seven from the tee and was instrumental in establishing a strong kicking game true to the Cardinal identity.

For those who missed the action, catch the Cardinal's match on YouTube @CRAARUGBY and follow @stanford_rugby on Instagram for updates. Check out the celebration video here. A huge thank you to all the friends and family who came out to cheer the team on!

The Cardinal will head to Indianapolis in two weeks to play in the CRAA 7s National Championship. Games will be played on April 25th and 26th.

Tries:
Kirsten Lees x 2
Sydney Davis
Jara Emtage-Cave
Audrey Kaplan
Zoe Colloredo-Mansfeld
Emma Lewis

Conversions:
Cara Feit (6)

Stanford Women's Rugby vs. WWU
Eva Lieberman ? Audrey Kaplan ? Leila Wang Gaouette ? Zoe Colloredo-Mansfeld ? Paige Fitzpatrick ? Isabelle McNabb ? Sydney Davis ? Kirsten Lees ? Vivian Studdert ? Journey Washingtonhigh ? Jacqui McLean ? Emma Lewis ? Jara Emtage-Cave ? Josie Davidson ? Cara Feit ? Anabella Hernandez ? Jana Gomri ? Artem Arzyn ? Dani Bennett ? Alice Rowe ? Frankie Lewitton ? Karina Byzek ? Ana Palacios