SIRC joins the rankings after contesting its first matrix matches. / Photo: Jackie Finlan
The Women’s Division II Spring College Ranking did not move too much since launching last week – in fact, every league currently in season included one match that turned into a friendly, scrimmage or forfeit. Otherwise, all the ranked teams, save one, won or remained idle.
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Unsurprisingly, there are two newcomers: Tulane and Kennesaw State. Tulane is starting at a modest no. 12 simply because it’s the team’s first outing of the year. It was a solid first game, though, and we expect the Green Wave to exert upward pressure with every week.
Kennesaw State was a bit more difficult to place considering its 55-10 loss to Life University’s JV side, which is a participating member of SIRC this year. Life JV is not competing toward the DII playoffs; otherwise, it’d be sitting atop the ranking. We need to see the Running Eagles play more teams before gaining perspective on Saturday’s result against Kennesaw State. Owls captain Akilah Guzman noted that her squad is looking to replace some experience at flyhalf and center, but those options pack a lot of potential.
“We entered this Saturday’s game with several rookies taking on new positions,” the captain explained. “I think Life JV was a very good experience for many of our new players. Playing Life early on gives all of our players expectations for the upcoming season and future games.
“I am really excited to see where his team can take us this semester,” Guzman added. “We have a great group of girls who are putting in tremendous amount of effort this semester.”
UN Reno hosted last year’s West Coast runner-up, Santa Clara, and won 46-7. Jenna Rowan and Jordyn Marchi scored a brace of tries each, while Carley Fowler handled Santa Clara’s points. The Fresno State vs. San Jose State match evolved into a friendly scrimmage, with the Bulldogs getting the win in the standings.
Queens University of Charlotte also played a friendly of sorts – two 7s matches against UNC Wilmington, which is a member of DII Carolinas but isn’t playing a full schedule. College of Charleston won its game against UNC Greensboro, and UNC Charlotte’s matrix match was rescheduled for this weekend.
UC Irvine got the forfeit win over USC, but a game was played, as Irvine lent the Trojans some players. Claremont put in a big win over Long Beach State, 43-17. It was a game for most of the first half, with the teams knotted at 10-10 after 30 minutes. But then the Foxes picked up some momentum before the break and carried it through the final 40. Six different players scored Claremont’s six tries, and fullback Alexandra Parker kicked 13 points on five conversions and a penalty.
