HAMDEN, Conn. – The Frostburg State women's rugby team fell to Bowdoin in program's first-ever match, losing 55-5.

Frostburg made history playing in the programs inaugural game since being added as a varsity sport last year. The Bobcats traveled to play Bowdoin, one of the pioneers in the sport's history and the three-time reigning Division III NIRA Champions. The Bobcats faced not just a challenging team in the first half, but also the weather, as a lightning delay occurred with five minutes remaining in the half, from which the Polar Bears led 33-0. 

Bowdoin added another try to open the second half that was answered by the Bobcats. The first try in program history came from freshman Leah Harris on an assist from freshman Camila Garcia. The Bobcats had other opportunities to score with freshman Rylee Rodrigues attempting a penalty kick from 40 meters out that came up just short. Rodrigues also had a conversion attempt that hit off the right post.

The EGRL YouTube channel covered the match and named Rodrigues the Player of the Match for the Bobcats. Rodrigues had 100% tackle success rate and for her ability to kick for touch and gain territory.

"Bowdoin was an extremely formidable opponent to introduce varsity-level rugby to Frostburg State University. While it was not the outcome we were hoping for, we actively grew throughout the match and identified many positive moments that we will be able to build from. The team really came together in the second half, and we are excited to carry that momentum into our training this week. It is going to be a lot of fun watching this team develop over the course of the season." - Head Coach Jeff Horton

With the loss, Frostburg is now 0-1, while Bowdoin improves to 1-0. The Bobcats will return to play when they host West Chester in their home opener on Saturday, Septemper 23 at 1 p.m. For more information visit frostburgsports.com.