The CO School of Mines Orediggers opened up day two with a fantastic 38-29 win against Endicott in Houston, becoming the Division III National Champions. Both teams put on an incredible push and pull match, leaving many to question who would end up lifting the trophy.
The Orediggers opened up the match with a try from wing Kate Osborn to lead early on 5-0. Endicott trailed close behind with a try of their own from center Laryssa Landmesser to tie the match 5-5.
Osborn trucked into the try zone once again, with a successful conversion from fullback Piper Lee to reclaim their lead 12-5. The trend continued with second row Charlotte Siervogel and wing Paige Kieschnick scoring the next tries, succeeded by a conversion from Lee increasing their lead 24-5 to end the half.
Endicott blazed into the second half with two beautiful tries from wing Colleen Mitchell, assisted by a conversion from flanker Caitlyn Padeck to trail the Orediggers 24-17. Eight man Marin Shaffer secured a try of her own, with a conversion off the post from Padeck to tie the game 24-24.
Mitchell’s following try to make a hat trick locked in the team’s lead 29-24. The lead was short lived, as eight man Kaylyn Courtney tied the match with a try and Lee securing the conversion. Less than a minute later, Lee broke away to ground the ball in the center, followed up by a successful conversion to lead 38-39 and secure the Division III National Championship for the Orediggers.
Sophomore Piper Lee snagged MVP for her impressive four conversions and one try.
All matches are available for rewatch on tv.ncr.rugby.
