STANFORD, CALIFORNIA -- In a game that rugby critics described as the most entertaining, and closely contested game of the playoffs, Cougars came close to pulling it off from Stanford's grasp. Some rugby followers believed that this game should have been played later in the rugby season, even the Final 4.

Centers Brett Baldry, and Kristi Jackson, wing Robyn Lindley together with flanker Kirsten Siebach, and No. 8 Rachel Gilman caused problems for the Cardinal defense. Stanford opened the scoring when they broke through the middle in the early stages of the first half and scored beside the post to lead 7 - 0. Cougars replied when Brett Baldry powered her way through Cardinal backline and was tackled 3 meters from the try line. Emmelie Shaner wearing No. 6 for WCR dove in to score. Rebecca Bunnell converted to level the score 7 - 7 midway into the first half. Stanford score again with WCR replying with a penalty to bring the score to 12 - 10 at the half.

The second half started with good execution by the Cardinals, matched relentless defense by the Cougars. That led to a turnover at the half which wing Robyn Lindley scooped up, and raced away 50m down the sideline to score under the cross bar. Cougars led 17 - 12 for most of the second half before being stunned by two quick Cardinal tries late in the half to end Cougars two years of unbeaten run, and their quest for a trip to the Sweet 16 or the Final 4.

"The girls executed well today; they gave it their all. I'm proud of them." said Coach Tom Waqa. "Most people don't know that WCR is not an official BYU program. We are fully funded out of our own pockets as students. I am really proud of their performance on Friday and Saturday. To come out and perform like that with just the support from our own families, and friends, is something that I'll remember forever. They sacrificed a lot to be there. Stanford is an excellent program, no comparisons there. But believe or not, we had them against the ropes, we just got beaten by speed, something that cannot be taught."

Rugby writers and close critics don't think Cougars should have been penalized with an 8th seed at the Pacific Coast Playoffs this year for two reasons.

1) They have been playing competitively in the Collegiate league in the last 7 years, and the only reason they are not attending playoffs was because of the USA Rugby restrictions, and the Saturday, Sunday format for Womens Collegiate Rugby DI. They are indeed grateful for the changes and hope to continue their cordial relationship with USA Rugby and Pacific Coast TU. They are not responsible for other collegiate clubs in Utah for the no shows in the past. That is something they have no control over. The girls would have jumped to the opportunity if they were allowed to do so on a Friday or Saturday. They were going to make arrangements with School academic finals this year, because Sweet 16 is on Finals week at BYU for this winter semester. The Cougars would have been consistent every year if given the opportunity to do so.

2) The main goal for Rugby Administrators is to promote rugby and improve the level of rugby here in the United States. That cannot improve the level of rugby if we keep having Collegiate scores like 92 – 0, 65 – 0, 43 -5, and allowing teams going into playoffs having been outscored with that margin. We need good games to improve the level and experience for our players. Some teams have been in the league for so long and they are consistent, we salute them for doing so. But we need the best in the playoffs for this sole reason.

This Cougar side has lots of talent, but they will soon lose a core of the team to LDS Church Missions and expired eligibility status. Krystal Bodily, Talia Colasante, Ela Wolfgram, Aubrey Cowan are all planning on serving. Captain Rachel Gilman and Senior Jessica Pilling eligibility status expires this year so they won't be able to participate in the future.

Apart from all of this, one thing we know for sure is that the Womens Cougars have arrived and they played the game of their life on April 4th, 2008 against Stanford. They made a statement that will echo for years to come.