• 2008
  • February 24, 2008
  • February 16, 2008
  • February 11, 2008*
  • January 19, 2008
• 2007
  • March 04, 2007
  • March 04, 2007*
  • February 24, 2007
  • February 24, 2007*
  • January 28, 2007*
  • January 27, 2007
• 2006
  • February 04, 2006
  • January 15, 2006
  • January 15, 2006*
• 2005
  • April 09, 2005
  • February 19, 2005
  • February 14, 2005
  • January 30, 2005
  • January 22, 2005
  • January 15, 2005

UCLA vs. UBC — February 14, 2005

Last night UCLA experienced its first taste of what international rugby is like. University of British Columbia came down to play UCLA in its first match of a 3-match Southern California tour.

Very early on it was evident that UBC had a tremendous program which executed rugby in every aspect of the game from rucking and mauling to scrumming and support, these girls were experienced in the game, as well as in playing as a team.

UCLA women showed tremendous heart as they played an 80 minute game against their toughest competitor of the season. Never once giving up, UCLA fought hard to earn each and every ruck, scrum, and/or maul. The forwards were competitive on both sides of the field, with UCLA winning most of their own scrums. With a tight five that hadn't played much together, UCLA worked hard at playing as a unit. Murray, #8 and captain, led the team by example with great agility in the scrums.

Open field play by UCLA showed as much tenacity as it always has. With little hesitation, UCLA players attacked at every moment, diving for the ball (Middy was great at this), kicking it out of the way (thanks Diana), and picking up loose balls all over the pitch (all forwards).

UCLA's most impressive strength on the field was their tackling. Playing against women twice their size, UCLA wasn't intimitated and tackled each opponent to the ground.

As the game wore on, UCLA never slowed. At mid-field UCLA formed a maul. With attacking forwards, UBC was caught off guard by Kelly Griffin, who rolled off, sprinted 50 meters downfield, and beat an oncoming UBC fullback to score!

In the end UCLA learned a great deal, and had an experience of a lifetime playing an international match. This experience shall bring about some higher level of playing for the rest of the season. Congratulations to all who played their hearts out. You were outstanding!

Final Score: UBC 18 tries — UCLA 1 try (you do the math).

Starting Lineup

1. Yoyo Negrete
2. Aerin Cho
3. Saerim Luciano
4. Erin Kane
5. Natalie Hall
6. Jennifer Chase (to outside center)
7. Diana Tran (to scrum half)
8. Erin Murray (C)
9. Camilla Liou (to flyhalf)
10. Kelly Griffin (to flanker)
11. Starla Hashimoto
12. Laura Hurley
13. Michelle Kwandam (to fullback)
14. Amy Christensen
15. Marisa "Middy" Pineda