Submitted by Coach

The Pittsburgh Angels Women’s Rugby Team traveled to Houston, TX and are competing in the Division II Women’s Rugby National Championships.

The Angels defeated their first opponent, Charleston (S.C.) by an impressive 51-5 score.

In the second match of the day, Pittsburgh faced the Raleigh Venom - two time Division II national champions (2005 and 2006).  The Venom then competed in Division I for a few seasons before returning to Division II (for reasons of travel costs).

Pittsburgh conceded two first half trys and trailed at halftime, 10-0.  The Angels regrouped and started the second half scoring with a converted try five minutes into the period. Raleigh countered with their own try seven minutes later, but the conversion fell short bringing the score to 15-7 in the Venom’s favor.  The Pittsburgh women pulled within one point (15-14) after finding a gap and converting the try.  With nine minutes remaining, the teams battled with hard rucks and impenetrable defense.  In stoppage time, Pittsburgh was awarded a penalty and successfully kicked from 35 meters out. The Angels had to defend deep in their end for an additional few minutes.  The final whistle blew and the Pittsburgh Angels won 17-15.

With the win, the Angels advance to the National Championship semi-final match vs. Albany.  Kickoff is set for at 9:00 a.m. at the University of Houston.