ALFRED, NY. -- The Adrian College Women's Rugby team played in the NIRA DIII Rugby semifinal game on Saturday against the University of New England in Alfred, New York and came out on top 31-10. With the win, the Bulldogs advance to the NIRA DIII Championship game next weekend.

This was the Bulldogs second match up against UNE this season, with the last match ending in a tie. The playoff game was evenly matched for most of the game, with both teams playing hard defense. The Bulldogs struck first at 15 minutes with a try from freshman, Paige Longcore. Pendo Miregi missed the conversion, but the score gave the Bulldogs a 5-0 lead. 

UNE committed a lot of penalties in the game but it was the Bulldogs who received the first yellow card in the 35th minute. UNE capitalized on their player advantage and scored a try making the score 5-5, followed by a missed conversion attempt. However, Adrian responded quickly with a try from Erin Clay to end the half, to bring the score to 10-5 at the half. 

Adrian got up quickly with another try from Longcore in the 45th minute, while Madison Williamson kicked the conversion to move the score to 17-5. UNE quickly bounced back and scored a try to bring it closer, 17-10. 

UNE did not give up on either side of the ball, putting pressure on the Bulldogs attack and making really great tackles. Although, the Adrian attack ended up being too much as the Bulldogs scored two more tries, one 60+ yard run from Ariel Rathell and one from Madisyn McDonald. The game finished 31 -10 as Williamson converted the last two kicks for four more points.

The Bulldogs will travel to Cambridge, Massachusetts next weekend to play Bowdoin College in the NIRA DIII Championship game. The Bulldogs and Polar Bears previously met this season, with the Polar Bears securing the win, 43-12. Adrian will look to knock off the three-time NIRA DIII Champions. The game will take place on the campus of Harvard University and will start at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 18.