The finalists for the first-ever Women’s DI-AA national title game are set. Sunday, Northeastern defeated Virginia, 38-24, and Colorado downed Northern Iowa, 34-14, to advance to Houston.

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Five different Buffaloes crossed the whitewash in Colorado’s win, avenging their first-round loss to the Panthers in the Division I playoffs last fall. On the other hand, Northern Iowa had four different players spend time in the sin bin. 

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Colorado No. 8 Lucia Hoffman was an impact player for the Buffs, carrying the ball with power and aggression for 80 minutes. And scrumhalf Dani Michaels was a leader defensively, as well as in shepherding the Colorado attack. 

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UNI fullback Macie Gravies was clutch in defense, delivering numerous try-saving tackles on the day. She also scored once herself, breaking the Colorado defensive line on numerous occasions. All-American flyhalf Morgan Linck was also outstanding, earning several turnovers in the breakdown. 

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Northeastern raced out to a three-try lead in its win over Virginia. The Cavaliers trailed 21-7 at halftime and never got closer than two scores the rest of the contest. They were led in defeat by Hannah Tittermary, who scored three tries from the wing. 

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Northeastern was led in tries by her counterpart, Mira Mahmoud, who dotted down twice. Center Sydney Joslin led the Huskies in points, with a try and four conversions. 

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Northeastern and Colorado meet Sunday Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m. in Houston, TX to decide the national championship.

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