CHARLOTTE, N.C.- The NIRA Division I season kicked off on August 29 under the buzz of Friday night lights at Dickson Field with the Queens University of Charlotte women's rugby team taking on Navy.  

The game started at a furious pace with the royals dominating possession and territory over the first quarter of the game. Unfortunately, Navy got a couple of tries against the flow of the game, which allowed them to shift momentum and claw their way into the possession game. Strong counter-rucking allowed them to slow down the Royals' ball speed and organize well on defense. Powerful runners saw Navy score three tries (two conversions) and a penalty in the first half. The Royals capitalized on a penalty off a restart and the resulting lineout and phase play saw captain Francesca Clarke snipe round the fringes of the ruck for a great try. Cecelia Scarff made the conversion, giving the game a 22-7 halftime score in favor of Navy. 

The second half saw more great physical contests, especially in the breakdown, but Navy began to dominate that area and built in a wonderful offload game to keep the ball alive and score some great tries. Navy ultimately ran away with a 58-7 victory.

Queens now looks ahead to next weekend, as they prepare to take on Sacred Heart on Saturday September 6.  

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