Colorado Mesa Unseats Coast Guard Women DII

Colorado Mesa Rugby made history on Sunday, triumphing over defending National Champion Coast Guard with a decisive 17-0 victory in the Division II final of the Collegiate Rugby Championship, securing the Mavericks' first-ever National 7s title. The fourth-seeded Mavericks' path to glory included a 19-12 semifinal upset against Wisconsin - Eau Claire, where tries from Kaylee Burns, Chloe Coop, and Bentley Steyaert, alongside Steyaert’s conversions, powered their advance. In the championship showdown, Burns delivered two more tries, complemented by a score from Genevieve Karpiel, while Mesa’s impenetrable defense held the formidable Coast Guard side scoreless, denying them a pursuit of three national titles in as many semesters. Coast Guard had reached the final after a 30-0 semi-final win over Coastal Carolina, featuring an Anna Gredell hat-trick, but couldn't breach Mesa's line when it mattered most. Mavericks star Kaylee Burns was deservingly named MVP, dominating the tournament leaderboard with an outstanding 10 tries and 50 points, showcasing the burgeoning talent in collegiate women's rugby.