The Raleigh Venom Women's Rugby team is playing in the Women's Division II National Championship this weekend in Houston. Their first opponent was the host team Houston "Herricanes," Saturday at 1 pm. The Venom soundly defeated Houston by a score of 26-0. Win Amika Olchovik scored all four of the Venom tries, three of which were converted by fullback Sarah Foster.

At 3:30 the Venom kicked off for the Pool A championship against Pittsburg Angles. The two teams were well matched and very agressive from the first whistle. The Venom lead 10-0 at the half on scores from Jen Larimore and Amanda Winar. The Venom picked up a third try in the second half when Amanda Winar linked up to a supporting Jen Larimore, who touched it down for the score. Pittsburg broke through the Venom defense twice in the second half, scoring two converted tries. With just under five-minutes remaining in the game the Venom led 15-14. A penalty by the aggressive Venom set-up an Angles penalty kick with time winding down. The Angles kicker cleared the ball through the uprights to pull ahead 17-15.

Despite losing the Pool Championship, the Venom earned the overall fourth seed. This seeding puts them into the Final Four and in contention to vie for the national championship on Sunday. They kick-off at 9 am against Providence.

Related Links

1. http://raleighrugby.org