WEST POINT, N.Y. – Harvard women's rugby (4-0) stayed unbeaten after a hard-fought contest at Anderson Rugby Complex, rallying from behind to earn a 32-27 victory over Army (2-2). The Crimson trailed in the first half but used key second-half tries and a strong defensive stand to close out the match.
How It Happened
Army opened the game with an early try and conversion to grab a 7-0 lead. Harvard answered quickly through junior Cameron Fields, who was making her season debut after being sidelined with injury. Fields powered across the try line for her first score of the 15s season, and
Ava Ference added the conversion to tie the match at 7-7.
The Black Knights responded with another try and successful kick before tacking on a penalty goal to extend their advantage to 17-7. Harvard clawed back into the game when senior Skylar Jordan broke through the Army defense with a sharp juke move, sprinting clear into the try zone for five points. The Crimson closed within 12-17, but Army slotted one more penalty kick before the break to take a 20-12 lead into halftime.
Coming out of the half, Harvard struck first. Ference, who contributed all around the field, scored a try to make it 20-17, keeping the Crimson within striking distance. The momentum shifted soon after when sophomore Josephine "Jojo" Mignone showcased her speed and vision, weaving through multiple Army defenders for a go-ahead try. Although the conversion attempt missed, Harvard surged ahead 22-20.
The Crimson added to their lead when Ference calmly slotted a penalty kick, giving Harvard some breathing room. Army kept pressing, closing the margin with another score, but the Harvard defense stiffened in the final minutes. A late try sealed the 32-27 win, as the Crimson held firm under pressure to secure the comeback victory.
Key Performances
- Cameron Fields provided an immediate spark in her return, scoring Harvard's first try.
- Skylar Jordan added a critical first-half try to keep the Crimson within reach.
- Josephine Mignone delivered the go-ahead score with a solo effort through multiple defenders.
- Ava Ference contributed across the board with a try, a conversion, and a penalty kick.
Final
Harvard 32, Army 27
Up Next
Harvard will next travel to Dartmouth for the fifth game of the year on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 12:00 p.m. ET in Hanover, New Hampshire.
