Harvard wins NIRA National Championship

Article originally published by Harvard Athletics

Photo by Gil Talbot | Courtesy of Harvard Athletics

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Hosting college rugby's premier contest at Mignone Field, Harvard women's rugby rallied behind stellar defense to defeat Army West Point, 18-7, and secure its first varsity National Championship in program history.

​Seniors Robyn Beese and Dominique Cantave and first-year Achele Agada recorded tries for the Crimson, which scored 18 consecutive points en route to the win. First-year Brogan Mior added a pivotal penalty kick which gave Harvard a lead it would not give up.

Following an Army try to open the contest, Beese got Harvard rolling when she charged through the teeth of the defense for a try to make the score 7-5. Behind at the break, Mior would convert a penalty kick for the Crimson midway through the second period to put the team out in front, 8-7.

Deep into the second half, Agada powered through a series of tackles by the Black Knights for a try to stretch the lead to 13-7. As time ran out and the scoreboard hit zero, Cantave went in for a try to solidify Harvard's championship win.

This is the third national championship for women's rugby at Harvard, as the women's rugby club team won national championships in 1998 and 2011, before being elevated to varsity status in 2013.

Harvard Highlights

• With this win, Harvard records its first varsity rugby national championship in school history.
• The Crimson scored 18 unanswered points that stretched over 47 minutes.
• For the second game in a row, a penalty kick gave Harvard the lead en route to a win.
• First-year Brogan Mior was named Most Valuable Player.
• Seniors Robyn Beese and Dominique Cantave and first-year Achele Agada each scored tries for the Crimson.

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