On Saturday, New Haven hosted the West Chester University (WCU) Rams. The Chargers fought until the end but fell short 36-38.
West Chester came off strong offensively with the first try from Christelle Adikpeto and a complete conversion from Carleigh Welsh, which put the Rams at a 7-0 advantage. Junior Lala Guimaraes led the way for the Chargers as she went 3 for 3 in tries, securing 15 points for New Haven.
Guimares had the first try for New Haven in the 10th minute and senior Sydney Dela Cruz made the conversion, which put the Chargers and Rams at 7-7. Lily Rhodes made the second try for the Rams followed by a conversion from Brooke Cargo. Guimares made her second try of the match followed by Dela Cruz’s successful conversion, which put New Haven and West Chester neck and neck again.
Sophomore Sereana Vulaono scored a penalty try which gave the Chargers a seven-point lead, 21-14. The Rams’ Camryn Snow countered with a try of her own and scored five points for West Chester. New Haven entered halftime with a lead of 21-19.
Starting the second half, Vulaono scored the first try for the Chargers. West Chester’s Taylor Baldwin added a try, and the conversion was made by Cargo boosting the score to 26-26.
The Rams took the lead following a pair of successful tries from Bridget Kowalski and Kristen Swavely. Adding to WCU’s lead, Cargo scored a conversion, which put the Rams at a 12-point advantage. In the final minutes of the game, Guimares and Vulaono scored the final tries for New Haven but were unable to secure a comeback, falling at a deficit of 36-38.
After the loss to West Chester, the Chargers have an overall record of 0-3. New Haven next faces the Long Island University Sharks. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Robert Blitz Field in Brookville, New York. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
