NIRA Tier ONE Championship: Army, Dartmouth, Harvard, Quinnipiac

The National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) Tier One Championship will be held this weekend, November 16-18. Last weekend Mount St. Mary’s won the Tier Two Title 22-15 over Sacred Heart.

The Tier One Championship will have semi-final matches between Army versus Dartmouth and Harvard against Quinnipiac. The winners will meet on Sunday for the Championship. All games will be available to watch through ESPN +.

Army vs. Dartmouth

Last year Dartmouth lost a heartbreaker in the championship final to Quinnipiac. This year Dartmouth comes into the Championship weekend with a 7-1 record, having split games against Harvard. Army’s record was 4-4 this season and will need an excellent defensive effort to suppress Dartmouth’s attack.

Army played a very tough schedule which included both Penn State and Life and hopes that their schedule will prepare them for the Championship.

Recently capped Women’s Eagle Emily Henrich rejoins her team for the weekend. She is a factor with Kat Ramage and others that are capable of scoring often.

Both coaches know that they need to win their initial match and will need to continue with the system that has worked for them.

Harvard vs. Quinnipiac

Harvard comes into the semi-final as the top seed with a 7-1 record having split season matches with Dartmouth. They lost to second seed Dartmouth last year with Quinnipiac winning the title for the third consecutive year.

This year, Quinnipiac lost both matches to Harvard, but entering the Championship weekend they hope to continue their impressive record in the Championship weekend.