Princeton Women’s Rugby showed grit and talent in almost reaching the finals of the Fall D1 Championships, defeating the University of Notre Dame 49-18 in quarterfinal action in Pittsburgh but losing the next day (Nov. 22) on a last-play-of-the-game penalty to University of Connecticut 22-19.

“Heartbreaking way to go out, but great improvement by this young team all season,” coach emeritus Emil Signes commented on Facebook after the loss.

Princeton beat Boston College 86-10 in the play-in round the previous weekend. The championship game pits Connecticut and Air Force at Furman University on Dec. 5-6. The winner advances to the USA Rugby National Championship on May 7, 2016.

About the Tournament: At the conclusion of the fall 2015 season, the highest ranked non-varsity Women’s Ivy Rugby Conference team received a bid to participate in the Division 1 non-varsity post season. The Ivy team was one of eight teams.