The girls rugby team from Regiopolis Notre Dame began its tour of Ireland with a 31-14 victory Saturday over Ballinasloe RFC in Galway.

Playing on a field rendered muddy by a week of rain, Regi dominated the first half. Tries by tour captain Hannah Greenwood in the game’s seventh minute; Courtney Spratt, on a great individual effort at the 21-minute mark, and Ashley Tait, just before the half ended, converted by Danae O’Neill, put the Panthers in front 17-0.

The home side rallied in the second half, with two early tries by Aoibheann Reilly, both converted by Emily Gowin, but Regi regrouped, and tries by Lilly Dickson and Spratt, the last converted by Annie Kennedy, restored the comfortable lead.

Hannah Greenwood was recognized by Ballinasloe RFC as player of the match, “for her tenacious defence and ability to produce excellent ball for Regi to advance up the field,” Panthers coach Alana Ramsay wrote in an email. Hannah Boudreau was named hardest worker for her strength in her tackles and commitment to support play.

“Overall, the coaches are extremely happy with their first effort and hope to build on this win in preparation for our next match.”

After the game, the team was hosted to a lunch and social while watching the Ireland vs. Wales international match in the Ballinasloe clubhouse. “This was a great opportunity for our team to interact with their counterpart, have some laughs and make new friends,” Ramsay wrote.

Regi’s next match will be against Railway Union in Dublin on Wednesday. The series concludes March 21 in Wicklow.