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WOMEN’S RUGBY NAMED DIVISION II NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Posted: May 26, 2019

WOMEN’S RUGBY NAMED DIVISION II NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

 

TUSCON, A.Z. – During the USA Rugby College 7s National Championship in Tucson, Arizona from May 24-26, 2019, the Bryant University Women’s Rugby team achieved some tremendous accomplishments. Throughout this three-day tournament, the Bulldogs faced five of the best Women’s Rugby teams in the country and were able to triumph and leave as USA Rugby DII College 7s National Champions. 

Final Score

  • The Bulldogs received a trophy and were named USA Rugby DII College 7s National Champions 

Game Info

Saturday, May 25th  

  • Game 1 vs San Jose State University – Win 22-12  

  • Game 2 vs California Polytechnic State University – Loss 20-12 

  • Game 3 vs Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania – Win 20-12 

  • The Bulldogs moved onto the top four despite losing to California Polytechnic because of the point differential between the two teams

Sunday, May 26th  

  • Game 4 (Semifinal) vs Claremont McKenna College – Win 27-7 

  • Game 5 (Final) vs California State University, Fresno – Win 21-19 

  • The Bulldogs received a trophy and were named USA Rugby DII College 7s National Champions 

Highlights

  • The Women’s Rugby team demonstrated their extreme fortitude and perseverance by becoming National Champions for the first time in the history of Bryant University 

  • The Bulldogs’ very own Melissa Mallahan was awarded MVP of the tournament, the last event during her career at Bryant 

  • Stony Brook University and Babson College were among the other competitors in Bryant’s division who were present at the tournament 

  • Melissa Mallahan and Erica Lovering were named into the USA Rugby DII College 7s Dream Team, along with five players from division competitors’ teams 

  • The competition had never hosted a team from Rhode Island, and the Bulldogs had to adjust to this new level of fast-paced, elite gameplay 

 

Comments

  • In regards to Bryant’s initial arrival at the tournament, Coach Rosie Downey states, “To be honest, it’s a big surprise for all of us. We didn’t know anything about any of the teams – we had heard about Babson – but really had no idea.” 

  • When asked about preparation, Coach Downey added, “We basically worked a ton on defense. In my mind, if we could execute on defense then we could probably do a decent job with the rest. On offense – someone called it ‘trick plays’ – but it’s more that we throw the ball around a lot more to draw in the defense. So on offense, we worked on being more fluid with the ball.” 

  • Player Nyatasha Jackowicz commented, “It was surreal to compete in Arizona against high-level teams that were conditioned to play in a dry hot climate. Even though we were a small team from RI, we didn’t let that stop us from showing USA Rugby that we’re stronger together.” 

  • MVP Melissa Mallahan exclaimed, “This was the best experience of my whole life!” and many of her teammates felt the same 

  • Gabrielle Constanzo mentioned, “Going to nationals was such a surreal experience that I will remember always. Being able to play at such a high level against some incredible teams will stay with me forever.” 

  • Coach Downey commented on closing a successful season with a tremendous win, “No one did anything differently at Nationals than they’ve been doing all season. Erica Lovering, a sophomore, is a wing in 15s and did well [in the fall], but we had another very fast wing, Courtney Wheeler, who is studying abroad [in 2019]. Erica flourished this spring and I’ve been impressed with her every weekend, just seeing her play, how she runs support lines with Melissa [Mallahan], jumps into every ruck, poaches, and she communicates very loudly on defense. … Everyone else was playing as strong as they had all season long.” 

 

Up Next

  • Be sure to congratulate the Bulldogs as they return for the 2019-2020 season as USA Rugby DII College 7s National Champions 

 

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  

 

Written by: Bobbie Discuillo