The Kent Crusaders girls rugby team stumbled briefly at this past weekend’s national tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah, but finished with a bang.

The Crusaders opened with a narrow 10-7 loss to Divine Savior Holy Angel of Milwaukee. Divine Savior went on to take the title from the eight-team tournament, which included the nation’s best teams.

Raechel Buoy accounted for all of Kent’s scores in the loss, delivering two on a conversion and the other five on a try.

Kent, however, bounced back in a big way, throttling Lowland of Utah 45-0. Scores for Kent came from Katie Humphreys (10), Kelsie Saalfeld (7) Shelby Mastroianni (5), Savanah Benson (5), Buoy (6, all on conversions) and Jerilynn Peko (5).

The Crusaders finished the tournament with a solid 17-5 win over West Carroll of Maryland. Buoy led the way with seven points followed by Peko (5), and Devon Vieira (5).

The Crusaders wrapped up the season with a 27-4 overall record.

“It was a great trip,” said coach Rex Norris. “The girls played exceptional.”