Colorado Mesa Unseats Coast Guard in Women’s DII

BOYDS, Md. — Colorado Mesa knocked off defending National Champion Coast Guard on Sunday with an impressive 17-0 victory in the Division II final of the Collegiate Rugby Championship. The win gives the Mavericks their first-ever National 7s title. 

Fourth-seeded Mesa opened up the day with a semifinal upset of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, winning, 19-12. Kaylee Burns, Chloe Coop and Bentley Steyaert scored tries with support from center Reese Williams, and Steyaert kicking conversions. The Blugolds went on to claim bronze, beating Coastal Carolina in the third place match, 36-5. 

Coast Guard booked a return trip to the finals with a smooth 30-0 defeat over top-seeded Coastal Carolina. Notable try scorer Anna Gredell notched a hat-trick, keeping alive the Bears’ hopes for three national titles in as many semesters. 

Two tries for Mesa in the final came from Burns, with another from Genevieve Karpiel. Steyaert kicked one conversion for the Mavericks before the final whistle, crowning them as National Champions. Even more impressive was Mesa’s defense, which held the defending champs scoreless.

The MVP was awarded to Burns, who sat alone atop the leader board for tries and points, with 10 and 50, respectively. Texas - San Antonio’s Eliza-Grace Canyon tied with Madison Cornell of Eau Claire for conversions with six each.  

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2026 All Tournament Team

Elizabeth Breiby, New Hampshire, Senior

Kaylee Burns, Colorado Mesa, Sophomore

Lauren Chiaino, Syracuse, Junior

Chloe Coop, Colorado Mesa, Sophomore

Anna Gredell, Coast Guard, Sophomore

Maggie Kane, UW - Eau Claire, Sophomore

Jasmine Mendez, Coast Guard, Junior

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