Chico State played Stanford, Saturday, Jan. 19, winning 43-19 in their season opener.

Coming off the high of their national championship last spring, Chico State set a similar pace to start of their new season. Facing off against Stanford away from home, this opening match showed the Wildcats won’t be backing down post nationals win.

Starting the match strong, wing Alyssa Pena set Chico ahead with a try early on in the first half. Stanford pushed ahead with a try and conversion, but inside centre, and co-captain, Hannah Westfall put another seven points on the board with a try and conversion.

After falling behind just before the half, flanker Max Brissenden scored two tries in quick succession to push Chico ahead 24-19. Stanford scored shortly after, but outside centre Ashley Evans pulled through with another five points, with Westfall kicking a conversion. Pena would go on to score twice more before the match ended. Chico won the game 43-19, in a fantastic end to their season opener.

“We all stepped up and played Chico rugby.” said co-captain, Becky Luedke. “Overall it was a good game, especially in the second half, we picked up the pace and hit hard.”

Looking back, Chico had similar results in their season opener last year, with a 48-17 win over Stanford at home. With new captains and new players, this team is ready to move on into the competitive season.

Moving forward, Chico will be playing Humboldt on Sunday, Jan. 27 in their next league match. The Chico State Women’s Rugby Club is a competitive D1 sports club at Chico State.

Notice of Non-Affiliation and Disclaimer

We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with the California State Universtiy, Chico, or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates. The official California State Universtiy, Chico website can be found at https://www.csuchico.edu/

The names Chico State and California State University, Chico as well as related names, marks, emblems and images are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

The Chico State Women’s Rugby Club took on UCSB Saturday afternoon in their first round of the USA Rugby D1/D1 Elite Spring College Playoffs. Winning their first game, Chico has secured a place in a Final Four game in Fullerton, California.

Three minutes after kickoff, Inside Center Hannah Westfall scored her first try of the match, setting Chico’s pace for the rest of the match. Playing with an aggressive pace, pushing back against UCSB’s defense, Chico showed their worth on the pitch against some of the top schools in the nation.

Flanker Karla Santiaguillo brought the second try of the half, followed by Westfall with her second try of the match. Fullback Darby McFall, and Outside Center Stefani Bergerhouse would also score twice before the half was over. UCSB would put five points of their own on the board before the half time whistle blew.

Starting at half with a 47-5 score, UCSB would score their final try of the match off their #7, followed closely with a try by Lock Jennifer Brissenden. Winger Ashley Evans would score closer to the end of the half off her first break away, building Chico’s confidence for the last quarter of the match.

Prop Rebecca Kilmartin would score shortly before Bergerhouse, who took her fourth and final try of the match, securing a 74-10 win for the Wildcats. After taking a win in their rounds of 16, Chico has secured a final four match in Fullerton.

Chico will play on Sunday, April 22nd against Lindenwood University to decide whether Chico competes in the D1 or D1 Elite Final four with a shot at a championship match. Come show your support at Steuber Stadium at Stanford University at 3 p.m.

Notice of Non-Affiliation and Disclaimer

We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with the California State Universtiy, Chico, or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates. The official California State Universtiy, Chico website can be found at https://www.csuchico.edu/

The names Chico State and California State University, Chico as well as related names, marks, emblems and images are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Come join us at Gale Vineyards for an evening of wine tasting hosted by the Chico Rugby Foundation to benefit the Chico State Women’s rugby club. The Wine Tasting Fundraiser on November 10, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Gale Vineyards Located at 9345 Stanford Lane Durham California 95938. Your $20 ticket includes a hand picked selection of 5 locally produced Gale Wines and some tasty hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Chico State Women’s Rugby team. The evening will also include a silent auction.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please email us mary@chicorugby.org

For more information on Gale Vineyards, visit their website www.galevineyards.com

Come visit the Facebook Event.