By: aliyalynn
On November 16, the Orediggers faced their toughest test of the postseason in the West Regional Championship against University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Coming off a crucial playoff win over University of North Dakota the day before, Mines entered the match knowing a victory would send them to the Final Four—and they delivered in dominant fashion with a 38–7 victory.
Mines set the tone immediately off the opening kickoff. After marching into scoring position, the Orediggers opened the board with a composed penalty kick through the posts for three points. Momentum only grew from there.
Piper Lee broke through the defense for the first try of the match, quickly followed by a powerful finish from
Aliya Lynn. Ayana Mejorado added the conversion, giving Mines a commanding 17–0 lead within the opening ten minutes.
After the fast start, Mines spent a stretch on defense as penalties began to stack up. UWSP capitalized once to cut the lead to 17–7, but the Orediggers never lost control. Lee answered again before halftime with her second try of the match, sending Mines into the break with a 24–7 advantage.
The "Bomb Squad" made its impact felt immediately in the second half. Early pressure and a blistering run by flanker
Mckenzie Williams forced the defense into a penalty try situation, automatically adding seven more points for Mines. Lee wasn't finished yet, capping off the night with her third try to seal the 38–7 final score and the program's trip to the national semifinals.
Defensive Dominance
Mines' defense was nothing short of elite.
- McKenzie Williams: 15 tackles, 0 missed
- Aliya Lynn: 17 tackles, only 1 missed
- Lisa Overy: 16 tackles, only 2 missed
Across the entire lineup, the team totaled just 20 missed tackles, with multiple players recording perfect defensive performances. The physicality, discipline, and communication on defense completely shut down UWSP for nearly the entire match.
With the regional title secured and a Final Four berth earned, the Orediggers proved on the biggest stage that they are fast, physical, and relentless. This win was not just a championship performance—it was a statement.