CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The second-seed Bowdoin women's rugby team defeated fourth-seed University of New England, 27-5, to win the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) Division III title on Sunday at Mignone Field at Harvard.
 
The Nor'easters grabbed a quick lead as Katie Berger raced past the defense for a try just over a minute into play. Molly Petronzio answered back for the Polar Bears in the fifth minute to tie the score 5-5.
 
UNE looked to jump back ahead minutes later driving down near the try zone, but the Bowdoin defense held strong and eventually Amber Ramos broke through to put the Polar Bears in front 10-5. Sophia Karris ended the first half with two long runs for tries and a kick by Petronzio made the score 22-5 at the half.
 
The Nor'easters once again had its possession stalled just outside the Bowdoin try zone midway through the second half. Petronzio broke a long run in the final minute to touch down for the last try.
 
Safiya Osei of Bowdoin was named the tournament's most valuable player.