When the lights rise over Houston on Saturday 6th December, three FirstPoint USA athletes will walk into one of the biggest stages in collegiate rugby - the NCR National Championship Final. Different programs. Different journeys. But a shared determination that has brought them back to the sport’s grandest stage for a rematch a full year in the making.
Wheeling Women's Rugby: Daisy Cunningham
For Wheeling University hooker Daisy Cunningham, the road to Houston was anything but subtle. Her side tore through the D1 East Championship game with a statement performance, overpowering Penn State 53–10 in one of the most dominant postseason displays in recent memory.
The Cardinals (11-0) are making their second trip to the NCR National Title game in their second season as they look to become just the third team in NCR history to win back-to-back National Titles.
Southern Nazarene’s : EJ Bowdler & Jordyn Hill-Jowett
In the D1 West, Southern Nazarene University fought through a tighter contest, edging VYU 34–28 in a thriller that showcased grit and game-winning composure.
FirstPoint Alum, teammates (and roommates), Bowdler and Hill-Jowett now head to Houston, as they take on Wheeling Women's Rugby in a rematch of last year's title game.
For FirstPoint USA, having three athletes competing on the biggest stage in college rugby is a powerful testament to what opportunity, development, and ambition can achieve.
