SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – The American International College women's rugby team celebrated its seniors and its 2021 NIRA National Champions in style, dominating early and late in a 59-10 win over West Chester University in NIRA action on Friday, October 28.

AIC improves to 4-1 on the season.

The scoring came early and often for the Yellow Jackets, as Annekkia Ritter-Truxal flew down the left sideline for the game's first try less than two minutes in, with Kassidy Pothier converting for an early 7-0 lead.

After some battles in the middle of the field, Dominique Ray was the next scorer, as AIC's lock pushed past the Rams defenses just shy of the 13-minute mark. Pothier converted again, giving AIC a 14-0 lead.

The offense continued, with AIC's third try less than five minutes later; this time it was Ivana Kiripati placing the ball down in the try zone, and Pothier made it three kicks through for a 21-0 edge.

The Rams busted the shutout, drawing a penalty inside the 22 and kicking for points, but AIC countered with Louisa Justice scoring just past 25 minutes in and Pothier following again. The Rams did net a try late in the half, but AIC took a 28-10 lead into the locker room.

The Yellow Jackets had to start strong to quash any hope of a Rams comeback, and it was Pothier herself who delivered, scoring two tries and converting one in the first 13 minutes to push AIC's lead to 40-10.

It was all AIC from there, as Ray put in her second try of the night, Jessica Berggren posted one, and Morgan Schecter finished the scoring off in the final minute to close out the 59-10 final.

Ultimately, Pothier was the leading scorer, with 24 points total on seven conversion and the two tries.

AIC next plays at the University of New Haven on November 7 at 7:00 p.m.