KENT, Ohio – The NDC women's rugby team dominated No. 7 ranked Kent State 79-5 this weekend.  Even with multiple players playing in irregular positions, the team worked as a unit and controlled the game from the first whistle.
 
Notre Dame's record improves to 7-1 and the Falcons are No. 5 in the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Coaches Poll.
 
Big games were played by Sarah Valentine, Center, Alivia Leatherman, Prop, Aubrey Boing, Scrumhalf, Raina Perciak, 8 Man, and Mary McLoughlin, Prop. Christenvie Ngangu and Kennedy Miller were both effective second half substitutions, bringing additional energy, skill and experience.
 
Alexa Piazza and Marlee Snider earned both of their first caps as Falcons this weekend and had an immediate impact.
 
"As a coaching staff, we had a great week of practice leading up to the match," said head coach Jack Nece. "The women learned that if we focus and work hard during the week, it pays great dividends on the weekend. Our next match is against No. 2 University of Cincinnati on Nov. 6 at home, which will also be our senior game."

This is the highest number of wins for the program since the 2016-17 season, when they were victorious in eight games. The program record is 11 wins, which they accomplished in 2014, along with a National Championship.
 
This week, the Falcons were invited to the NCR Northeast Regional Finals in Syracuse, N.Y. That will take place from Nov. 13-14.