WEST POINT, N.Y. — The LIU women's rugby team returned to its winning ways with 12-0 and 27-0 wins against Army West Point on Friday in a pair of 10s matches.


The Sharks came in eager to build upon their mixed performance of the previous weekend. They had been technically and defensively excellent but disconnection in attack allowed Brown to wrestle away the victory.

Nerves were running high at the start of Game 1. The Sharks were forcing unnecessary passes and playing a bit too much rugby in the opening half. Fortunately, defensive excellence can cover many sins in attack. The Blue Wall continued to beat down and break down the opposition.

The Sharks' scrum was a bright spot from the opening whistle. Micaiah Thornton, returning from injury, demonstrated why she is a top-choice tight head as she expertly disconnected her opposite from the Army scrum. Her performance was complemented by a proficient squad of props. Alaysia Beard, Jade Robinson and Sayler Russell dominated the engagement battle and built a sturdy platform to drive the Black Knights off the ball.

Nerves seemed to calm after halftime as the Sharks found more connection and continuity in attack. LIU used the speed of their phases to open up space on the edge. Alexis Dallas was the first to capitalized. She streaked down the right touch line and grounded the ball to give LIU a 5-0 advantage.

Minutes later, a turnover gave the Sharks another chance to work the phases. It was a team effort again, committing defenders in the tackle and creating quick ruck ball. Esme Heater capped of the possession with a try. Sophia Gaddis converted and the Sharks saw out the remaining time. Game 1 finished Sharks 12, Black Knights 0.

The Sharks looked much more settled in the second match and showcased a diverse attacking toolbox. Robinson, Russell and Thornton burst open holes in the midfield. Gina Pollice kicked penalties to the corner for the forwards to maul over the line. D'Ondra Bomar, Ryen Scott, Tai Sherman, Dallas and Wallace continued to find space around Army's flanks. The Sharks netted five tries and 27 points in all.

Meanwhile, a clean sheet was on offer in the dying moments of the game. That's when an Army back recognized uncovered space behind the Blue Wall. She kicked and her support regathered deep in LIU territory. Megan Burriesce was the only Shark with a prayer of killing the Black Knights breakaway, and she would have to close a 20-meter gap to do it. The LIU halfback chased valiantly but time appeared to be running out.

In a final effort to defend the shutout, Burriesce dove for the legs of the ball carrier. She did enough. The Black Knight went down and hurled a Hail Mary offload to keep the attack alive. The resulting pass traveled forward from hand and the referee blew the play. Burriesce tracked back 75 meters to run down the breakaway. Army were three meter short of its first points of the day. Game 2 finished 27-0.

Spirits were high after the game. Athletic Director Dr. William E. Martinov Jr. made the trip to cheer on his Sharks and said of the performance, "I'm so proud of our players and coaching staff for a great performance. We played with Shark pride."

Head coach Joseph Rasmus Jr. echoed the sentiment.

"It was a gutsy performance from the squad," he said. "When things don't click early, it's easy to lose your concentration. We saw the exact opposite from our group. They composed themselves, concentrated on what they could control, built momentum and turned that momentum into 39 unanswered points. I'm in awe of the maturity from our young team."

Rasmus took pride in his team setting the tone with strong defense. 

"It was scrappy at times," he said. "We can improve connection a bit and make the defensive task a little easier on ourselves. But, at the end of the day, they hunted as a unit. If one person missed a tackle or left a gap, all 10 were giving everything they had to recover and regain momentum.

"Meg's final effort to work across the field, close a huge gap and make a last-ditch diving effort to defend our line was a poetic end to the day. If you put this group in positions to succeed, they have a heck of a lot of fight in them. I'm so proud of their effort."

LIU is no doubt weary from three consecutive road trips and will appreciate a two-week homestand. Next Saturday at 1 p.m., the Sharks welcome Quinnipiac.

Attending fans are encouraged to help pink out Blitz Field. LIU Rugby will be raising money for breast cancer research throughout the week and at the game. Stay tuned to the LIU Rugby's social media for information on how you can help the Sharks Kick Cancer. 


Match 1? 
LIU (AWAY)? 
Points (12): Dallas (5); Heater (5); Gaddis (2).? 
Tries (2): Dallas; Heater.? 
Conversions (1 from 2): Gaddis (1 from 2).? 
Penalty Goals (0). 
Drop Goals (0). 
 
Army West Point (HOME)? 
Points (0). 
Tries (0). 
Conversions (0). 
Penalty Goals (0).? 
Drop Goals (0). 
 
Match 2? 
LIU (AWAY)? 
Points (27): Gaddis (7); Dallas (5); Granelli (5); Russell (5); Thornton (5). 
Tries (4): Dallas; Gaddis; Granelli; Russell; Thornton.? 
Conversions (1 from 5): Gaddis (1 from 5).? 
Penalty Goals (0).? 
Drop Goals (0). 
 
Army West Point (HOME)? 
Points (0). 
Tries (0). 
Conversions (0). 
Penalty Goals (0).? 
Drop Goals (0).