Recent News From Wesleyan Women’s Rugby

The Wesleyan Women’s Rugby Sevens Club began its fall season with two wins this past Saturday in Massachusetts, topping Springfield College 31-5 and Williams College 15-5.

Wesleyan arrived at Springfield’s jamboree with strong numbers, boasting a roster of 21 players that combined a deep lineup of returning athletes with an impressive class of newcomers. Leading the Wes Ruggers are captains Anna Hynes (Sr.), Lily Guerrette (Sr.), and Lila Milliken (So.). The Cardinals’ depth chart advantage did not go unnoticed, with both opposing coaches asking whether it was time for Wesleyan to consider a move from the developmental seven’s league to rugby union’s standard 15-a-side-format.

Wesleyan looked dominant out of the gate against Springfield, with staunch defense from forwards Hynes, Guerrette, and Imogene Ostrom (Sr.), eventually forcing a loose ball that Milliken collected and carried across the goal line for Wesleyan’s first try of the season. Al Citterio (Sr.) made the conversion kick.

Wesleyan controlled possession for most of the first half, moving the ball downfield with well-timed offloads that sprang hard-running Ostrom free for three straight tries. Citterio added two conversions to give Wesleyan a 26-0 lead at the break.

Wesleyan used its depth liberally and brought in five subs for the second half, including Dottie Smith (So.) and Amaia Canaan (So.), whose menacing tackles kept Springfield pinned inside its own half. Springfield never got discouraged, however, playing with heart, toughness, and class. The home team erased the shutout about halfway through the period and held Wesleyan scoreless until wing CeCe Walsh (So.) caught a pass around midfield and turned on the jets, scoring on the final play to cap it at 31-5.

After a short intermission, Wesleyan played a second game against a disciplined Williams College, coached by Gina Coleman, who has been with the program for 30 years. Wesleyan’s defense was put on its heels early, with Williams pressing deep inside the 22-meter line, before Milliken won a turnover at the breakdown, leading to a 90-meter score by center Laura McNary (So.).

After a Williams try tied the game, Wesleyan received the kickoff and moved the ball with selflessness and tact until a seam opened for Milliken to find the try zone on the last play of the half. McNary scored again in the second half, giving Wesleyan a 15-5 win.

An exhibition 10-on-10 match was arranged afterward to give everyone adequate playing time, featuring Wesleyan newcomers Margo Buchanan (Sr.), Noelle Kohlberger (Fr.), Makenzie Mertel (Fr.), Sofie Profit (Fr.), and Grace Wang (Fr.), all playing their first-ever rugby matches.

Wesleyan will continue its season with a home tournament against Union College, Westfield State University, Trinity College, University of New Haven, and Williams College this Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10:00 AM on the Wesleyan rugby field on Long Lane. Admission is free, and fans are encouraged to attend.

Tyler Kania is the Head Coach of Women’s Rugby at Wesleyan University. He can be contacted at tkania@wesleyan.edu.