September 12, 2026
Stanford Women's Rugby vs Banbridge RFC
Rifle Park
Arderys Lane
Banbridge, United Kingdom
Stanford 59 - Banbridge 26
BANBRIDGE, Northern Ireland — Stanford Women's Rugby earned an impressive 59–26 victory over Banbridge RFC on Saturday, September 12, at Rifle Park, delivering a dynamic attacking performance while honoring the growing international connection between two historic programs.
The match brought together a Banbridge Women's side in its fifth year as a club and a Stanford program preparing to celebrate its upcoming 50th anniversary. In an energetic and competitive fixture, the Cardinal combined physical defense, powerful carries, and clinical finishing to pull away for the victory.
Stanford set the tone from the opening kickoff. Flanker Isabelle McNabb immediately secured a jackal turnover, creating momentum that sparked an early try from Jara Emtage-Cave. McNabb's influence continued throughout the day, as her footwork, speed, and ability to break the line repeatedly generated momentum-changing moments for the Cardinal. She finished with three tries in a standout all-around performance.
Emtage-Cave added a second try and made her presence felt defensively with several dominant tackles. Emma Lewis also contributed notable tackles as Stanford's defensive effort helped limit Banbridge's opportunities.
The Cardinal's attack featured a series of strong carries from Sydney Davis, Leila Wang Gaouette, Paige Fitzpatrick, and Eva Lieberman, consistently giving Stanford forward momentum. Davis and Vanessa Onuoha added tries after multi-phase carries by the Cardinal pack.
Stanford's depth was evident in the second half. Dani Bennett entered the match and brought added power and energy to the attack, while halftime replacements Alice Rowe and Elisabeth Holm raised the level of defensive intensity while sustaining the attacking momentum established in the first half.
At fullback, Josie Davidson provided valuable composure by fielding kicks and helping relieve defensive pressure, allowing Stanford to reset and launch further attacking phases. Annika Sitori also tallied a try after she beat a defender around the edge and raced into the try zone. Cara Feit and Ogaki contributed with the boot on clearance kicks and conversions.
The result capped a memorable day at Rifle Park and gave Stanford Women's Rugby an exciting international-tour victory as the program looks ahead to its milestone 50th year.
Stanford will travel to Dublin on Monday to train at Sport Ireland in preparation for their match against Trinity College at College Park in Dublin.
Final Score: Stanford Women's Rugby 59, Banbridge RFC 26
Tries: Jara Emtage-Cave (2), Sydney Davis, Vanessa Onuoha, Isabelle McNabb (3), Annika Sitori, Journey Washingtonhigh
Conversions: Cara Feit (5), Chisa Ogaki (2)
