Women’s Rugby Hands Out Championship Rings, Team Awards at End-of-Season Banquet

HANOVER, N.H. – The Dartmouth women's rugby team held their end of the season banquet on Tuesday to hand out championship rings and announce the team awards.

Lilly Durbin was given the Debra Archambault '85 Award for Most Valuable Player. Named in honor of Archambault's extraordinary contributions to the program, this award is presented annually to the player deemed most valuable to the success of Dartmouth women's rugby. Durbin wrapped her fifth year with the Big Green with a team-leading 15 tries and 75 points, including scoring the final try in the 28-18 defeat of Army West Point in the NIRA Championship game. She was also selected as a nominee for the 2021-22 MA Sorensen Award.

Sophia Haley was named the Defensive Player of the Year for the third straight year. Haley has won the award in three of her four years, with one year being cancelled due to COVID-19.

Idia Ihensekhien was recognized as the Forward of the Year. Ihensekhien recently earned the honor of the Most Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year at the Celebration of Excellence. Earlier this month, Ihensekhien was named the 2021-22 MA Sorensen Award, given to the top collegiate women's rugby player, in addition to earning the NIRA Championship MVP in the fall.

Emily Henrich was named the Back of the Year. The 2019 MA Sorensen Award winner, Henrich was first in assists (14), second in tries (9), and third in points (60). She recently left for New Zealand to represent the USA Rugby 15s National Team in the Pacific Four Series.

Anjali Pant was recognized as the Player's Player of the Year. This award is given to the player who best exemplifies what it means to be a team player: positively impacted their teammates and the DWR program both on and off the field with a positive attitude, thoughtfulness, compassion and a willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary.

Asialeata Meni was named the Rookie of the Year after a strong first season with the Big Green, finishing with five tries and four assists. Finally, Allie Amerson was recognized as the Most Improved Player of the Year. Coming from a soccer background, Amerson walked onto the team in the fall and by springtime she was selected as a traveling reserve for the 7s National Championship.

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