North American Rugby Database

Report

The Chicago Tempest host the defending champion Denver Onyx at Benedictine University during Round 10 of the 2026 WER season!

Both the Tempest and the Onyx conclude their 2026 regular season campaigns with this game, which marks the second meeting of the season between the two sides following a Round 5 clash at Infinity Park in Denver. In that game, the Onyx took a 45-21 victory over a stubborn Tempest side to take a 3-0 lead in the all-time match up. Heading into this game, the Onyx have already locked up a spot in the 2026 Legacy Cup on August 8th and sit atop the WER standings with 39pts and an 8-1 record. This completely mirrors the Chicago Tempest who, despite picking up their first victory in team history, sit in 6th with a 1-8 record and only 8pts. While the playoffs are secured, the Onyx will want to finish the regular season in that top spot, while the Tempest are still hungry for another win and if results go their way, could lift themselves off the bottom of the standings with an upset here.

Unfortunately for the Tempest, the Denver Onyx came out of the gates on fire. They scored within the first minute of the game through Canadian Karenna Ottywill, with Alyssa Cunningham doubling up after 7 minutes. Chicago hit back with a score of their own through Gracie Anderson but this did little to dent Denver’s momentum. The Tempest added an Ashtyn Kelly penalty goal just before the half, but by the time the whistle went for half time, the Denver Onyx had racked up five tries for a 10-31 lead.

The defending Champions kept their foot on the gas in the second half, scoring again early through Sydney Davis. They would add another score in the 50th minute, with both scored converted by Aly Cunningham to give them a huge 10-45 lead. The only score of the frame for the hosts came from Chloe Runge in the 66th minute. Marin Cohan added the extras to cut the deficit, but it wasn’t enough. The Denver Onyx added a final flourish from Caroline Bullock in the 71st minute, and they held firm for a 17-52 victory to seal 1st place in the WER standings for the 2026 season, repeating their 9-1 record from 2025, and will face the Bay Breakers for the 2026 Legacy Cup.

The Chicago Tempest fall to 1-9 and finish in 6th, improving from their 2025 season with a first ever victory, but unable to challenge for the top spots this season.