IT’S A THREE-PEAT: WOMEN'S RUGBY CAPTURES 3rd STRAIGHT RUGBY NORTHEAST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
WATERVILLE, ME. – In a battle of the two undefeated teams remaining in the Rugby Northeast Conference the Bryant Bulldogs traveled to Waterville, ME to take on the Mules of Colby College. Both teams came into Saturday with a 5-0 record in conference play and the final regular season game for both squads, with a conference championship on the line. The Bulldogs were victorious and celebrated their third straight conference championship! This is the first time in Rugby Northeast Conference history that a team has once back to back to back championships!
“Our Women’s Rugby team has once again proven they’re a force to be reckon with in the New England region and nationwide.” Assistant Director of Athletics Nick Schleicher said. “To win three consecutive conference championships, mixed with a spring 7’s National Championship is not only a testament to how our women practice, prepare, and execute game plans, but the efforts put in by our tremendous coaching staff as well. Head Coach Rosie Downey and Assistant Coach Ashley Hanson, together, have built a program that develops young women not only as great rugby players, but great people. This run of dominance is amazing and we look forward to the USA Rugby Collegiate Nationals once again!”
Final Score:
- Bryant University 19 – 14 Colby College
Game Info:
- Courtney Wheeler continued her outstanding season, scoring two more tries in the match.
- Julia Cappellini scored one try during the match
- Erica Johansson completed two conversion kicks for the Bulldogs
Highlights:
- The Bulldogs complete their conference fall schedule at a perfect 6 and 0.
- The Bryant Women’s Rugby Team was named Rugby Northeast Conference Champions for the third year in a row, which has never before been achieved in the team’s history
- Coach Rosie Downey could not pick just one Bulldog for Player of the Match, so she awarded it to the following senior players for their leadership and individual reasons:
- Courtney Wheeler for her ability for finding holes and breaking through the opposing defense to score twice
- Devyn Analoro for controlling the pace of the game when everyone began to get worn out
- Sarah Felkel for making great calls, and supporting the team on defense wherever she was needed
- Nyatasha Jackowicz for her strong tackles and pressure at rucks to force a few turn overs
- Gabrielle Constanzo for her pressure on the opposing defense by breaking off the scrum quickly
- To their surprise, the Bulldogs did not suffer any new injuries during this game
- The Bulldogs offered good support when their teammates were being held up to either pick the ball from the opponent and run, or bring the opponent to the ground for another opportunity to run the ball
Comments:
- “ I'm very proud to coach a group of young women who can give me everything they can on that field every single week, and who consistently impress me with what they can accomplish when they all come together. We came into this season with a mantra of "It takes Heart", and every single game has proved that we have heart and want to keep pushing for more!” – Rosie Downey, Head Coach
- “It was a heart pounding match, and we kept out coach and the fans on their toes the entire time!” – Catherine Cotton
- Having been on the team for four years now, I have been fortunate to watch the program grow into what it is today. I can’t wait to write more history with this team and continue to exceed expectations and win more championships” –Gabby Constanzo, President.
Up Next:
- Follow the Bulldogs into playoffs as they play in the round of 32 at home on Saturday, November 16th. Game time is scheduled for 11:00am.
Social Media:
- Follow @Bryant_Rugby on Twitter and Instagram, and @BryantWomensRugby on Facebook for the latest updates on the Women’s team
- For more information about Club Sports and Intramurals be sure to check out @Bryant_Rec on Instagram and Twitter