The University of Mary Washington women's rugby team traveled to Severna Park, Maryland on Saturday to face Towson University in one of the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference semifinal matches, falling in a sudden overtime period, 22-19.  

Towson's #12 had a breakaway and was tackled two meters from their in-goal area by junior Ava Ward fourteen minutes into the match. UMW attempted to defend the goal line, but Towson's scrumhalf picked and scored a try off a breakdown. Towson did not convert their first try. Fifteen minutes later, Ava Ward drew in and faked multiple Towson defenders and scored, converting her own try as well. Towson scored a second try four minutes before the end of the half after their #13 made a smart read of UMW's defense and cut through a gap forty meters out. Towson was in the lead at the end of the first half with 12 points to UMW's 7 points. 

Shortly into the second half, a penalty was awarded to the Eagles. UMW's Ward decided to take a quick tap, scoring again fifty meters out and breaking through Towson's defense. UMW's second try was not converted. Possession alternated often between both teams in the second half. UMW poached the ball from Towson players, including a great poach and run from junior Sage Meyer. About twenty-five minutes into the half, Towson kicked the ball out of their territory and was caught by UMW's fullback Ward. UMW set up a ruck and dished the ball out to sophomore Haley Smith who fended off Towson's defense for a third Eagles try forty meters out. Continued back and forth possession between UMW and Towson ensued. During the final play of regulation time, Towson's #13 juked to the middle, tying the match 19-19.  

The contest went into sudden death overtime with the winner determined by the first side to score points within a 10-minute period. A coin toss resulted in UMW kicking off to Towson. Possession alternated among both teams, including through penalties. Eight minutes in, the ball was knocked on by UMW, giving Towson a knock-on advantage. Towson decided to attempt a penalty kick to rack up three points from the side, ten meters out, and was successful.

UMW will travel to Georgetown, Delaware next Saturday, November 1st to play the University of Delaware for 3rd place in the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference.