CRC Preview: Division I Club Women

The 2024 field marks the first 7s national championship with every Division I conference in the mix. The state of Iowa is well represented with the Cyclones, Hawkeyes and Panthers, but the rest of the 13 teams hail from 13 different states, accounting for every time zone. 

Defending champion Clemson is keen to repeat, and if they do, returning CRC MVP Grace “Beef” Mowery will likely have to play a big role. She’s flanked by South Atlantic Conference All-Stars Olivia Cunningham and Manessa Molinaro.   

Oregon, West Virginia and Florida State are all making their CRC debuts. The Ducks will have a leg up, as head coach Kaylin Teele played in the CRC as an undergrad at the University of Arizona. 

Reigning Small College 15s national champion St. Bonaventure is making the move to DI next season, and getting a head start by playing up into this division. The Bonnies are well equipped to make a run, with All-American Makenna Ramsey leading the way. 

Claremont Colleges is making its return after two years away. Ohio State returns after many more years off, having not played in the CRC since before COVID. The Buckeyes are coached by Megan Znidarsic, who skippered the Big 10 team to a runner up finish at All Star 7s in January. 

The two opening rounds of the Women’s Division I Club bracket will be played Saturday and streamed live on National Collegiate Rugby’s YouTube, with the semifinals (1:00 and 1:20 EST) and finals (5:32 EST) set for Sunday live on The Rugby Network. 

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