Defense Lifts Northeastern to Repeat Title

BOYDS, Md. — Northeastern defeated Colorado State, 14-0, to repeat as Women’s Division I-AA National Champions Sunday. Senior Kourtney Bichotte-Dunner graduated Saturday back in Boston, MA, and flew into Maryland to help lift the Huskies to the title, repeating as back-to-back MVP. 

Northeastern opened the day against Arizona State in a semifinal duel, winning 19-7. Arizona grabbed a try by center Emily Ruiz and conversion by center Riko Takayoshi before Northeastern took the reins. Three tries for the Huskies came from scrumhalf Sadie Kabrhel, center Mira Mahmoud and Bichotte-Dunner, assisted by two conversions from flyhalf Alexandra Peterson. 

The other semifinal was the Rocky Mountain Showdown, a high-stakes derby in which Colorado State took down Colorado, 17-7, to advance to the final. Forward Noelle Behr scored one try for the Buffalos, succeeded by a conversion from center Rebecca Michaud. The Rams captured the rest of the match with two tries from wing Hunter McGowan and one from scrumhalf Sierra Gallup.

The Huskies’ defense was dominant in the final, not letting the ball past their try line. Jolene Russo scored the opening try, and made a try-saving tackle late in the game. When Bichotte-Dunner went off with a blood sub at full-time, Emily Minkler replaced her and scored the death knell try to secure the win.

At the end of the tournament, Ashtyn Kelly of North Carolina kept a hold on her leading spot as top try, conversion and point scorer. Kelly scored seven tries and six conversions, totalling 47 points over the weekend.

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2026 All Tournament Team

Kourtney Bichotte-Dunner, Northeastern, Senior

Sierra Gallup, Colorado State, Junior

Lucia Hoffman, Colorado, Sophomore

Ashtyn Kelly, North Carolina, Senior

Campbell Kerr, NC State, Senior

Mira Mahmoud, Northeastern, Sophomore

Lily Morrison, Arizona State, Senior

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