Claremont’s Alexandra Parker scored 29 points against Occidental. / Photo: Scott Fink
The DII spring colleges have been difficult to rank this year, as there have been at least as many forfeits as official league games. There are exceptions – Gold Coast and fall-based Capital – but it’s tough to judge teams that have a month gap unexpectedly wedged into their schedules, or build up a thin league season with a bunch of friendlies. Therefore, a summary of playoff hopefuls will replace the rankings.
CAPITAL
George Washington and Catholic are readying themselves for the DII Spring Round of 16. Conference champion George Washington defeated Old Dominion 59-12 and Virginia Commonwealth 40-5. Catholic beat William & Mary 29-28 in what was more of a scrimmage, and will head to Nash Bash for its next outing.
CAROLINAS
This conference has seen the most cancelations and forfeits, but with 11 members, there’s always an important game happening. The most recent game of note was Coastal Carolinas’ 44-10 win over UNC Charlotte. Bri Haddad led all try-scorers with four, while No. 8 Bri Scherer, Mel Masciarelli and Britt Sobczak also dotted down. LeAnne Hudson contributed nine points on a try and two conversions.
On March 17, the conference semifinals will pit College of Charleston against Appalachian State, and UNC Charlotte against Coastal Carolinas. The final will be held March 24 in Charlotte, N.C.
FLORIDA
Eckerd played Florida International to a 42-5 win and sent a pair of teammates to Las Vegas with the NSCRO Selects. The Sirens struggle for competitive games as well and has sought out friendlies against DI sides to prep for playoffs. The team has added a round robin against DI South Florida and senior club Tampe Krewe, and will head directly to the DII Spring Round of 16.
Eckerd vs. Florida International / Photo: Nicole Velez
GOLD COAST
Claremont rounded out its undefeated league season with a 74-0 win over Occidental. Flanker Jessie Ribera and fullback Alexandra Parker had multi-try performances, and Parker ended with 29 points on seven conversions and three tries. Now that the Foxes have played the entire field, coach Evan Wollen pointed to Long Beach State as its toughest opponent, followed by UC Irvine. The duo goes toe-to-toe this weekend in what will likely determine the No. 2 team at the end of the regular season.
MID-AMERICA
John Brown has remained idle due to Washington’s forfeit, but Women’s Rugby at Kansas State (K-State) played two games the previous two weekends. Scrumhalf Kaylynn Smith and her six tries led K-State to a 68-5 win over Truman State, and the halfback scored another three tries the following weekend against Arkansas. The Razorbacks, who were playing at home, have been dampened by forfeits and cancelations, but made good use of a good opponent in the 34-27 win over K-State.
“We’re eager to get back out there, but I feel there is a lot of pressure on us,” K-State inside center Bri Leonard said. “Last year everyone was excited that a Mid-America team with a full roster was going to nationals to be competitive. We have to live up to that ourselves this year. It will be a huge disappointment if we don’t get there. But stuff happens – injuries, how fast can the spring rookies learn in the short time we’ve given them.”
SOUTH INDEPENDENT
Kennesaw State played its final league game on Feb. 21, and Tulane won its second (and final) matrix match last weekend against Alabama. Tulane is heading to the St. Patrick’s Day Tournament to bulk up its schedule, and KSU will host the SIRC playoffs on April 7-8.
WEST COAST
UN Reno (7-0) and Fresno State (6-0) are undeniably the leaders in West Coast, and they’ll meet this weekend to determine top of the table. St. Mary’s gave UN Reno a run in the teams’ league match, trailing only 24-15 at halftime. The Wolfpack then pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 41-22 victory. Both standings leaders were idle last weekend, however, the Bulldogs traveled to Las Vegas to watch the Women’s Elite 7s bracket, which featured many current and former USA 7s Eagles and Falcons.
In all likelihood, UN Reno and Fresno State will meet in the West Coast final on April 7 (1 p.m., Cal Maritime Academy).