WOMEN'S RUGBY SUMS UP YEAR AFTER SPRING SEASON CANCELLATION
SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- All club sports were canceled for the remainder of the 2020 Spring semester due to COVID-19 after Bryant University’s Spring break in March. We asked members of our club sports to sum up some of the best, worst, and cherished times together. Read below to learn more about Women’s Rugby and how they summed up their year.
What was the best competition/tournament you participated in and why?
- Women's rugby had an incredible fall season, and we won all our games except one. Our best game as a team would have to be the senior game against Bentley. It was a great game, where everyone got a chance to play. Because it was a home game, we had all our greatest fans come and support us. It was an exciting game to be a part of and watch, as we destroyed Bentley 94-0.
What was the worst competition/tournament you participated in and why?
- Our worst game of the season would have to have been the one against Vassar in the Quarterfinals. Not because we lost, but because of the weather and the frustration that came with it. It was the game we played our best in all season, but it was raining, at 32 degrees, in November, in Upstate New York. After having perfect Rugby weather the day before, and going into the game unsure of how the weather was going to affect us, we played our hearts out against a bigger team and didn't let them flatten us. Even though we didn't move on from the quarterfinals, we were still 5th in the nation, which is the best our 15s team has done in a while.
What was a good general memory or highlight from this year?
- Going undefeated in our normal season meant that we were once again Conference Champions. Not only were we conference champions, but we were also the first team ever in Northeast Rugby to win three consecutive years in a row, making history. In the last three years, the team changed and stepped up every year. We would lose great players and more great players stepped up to fill their spots. Bryant Rugby breeds great players, every single year without fail, thanks to the dedication and heart of the team and coaches. We wouldn't be where we are without everyone who helped us get here. Also, Coach Rosie's baby announcement, and her having a baby, and just her finally being a mom, and the fact that he's so cute, and we literally love the kid. She's our biggest fan, and we're her biggest fans
What was a successful/fun non-competitive event you were a part of?
- We participated in the National Girls and Women in Sports Day that the school holds every sign;e year. It is always awarding to get to see the girls be active and teach them about a sport they normally would get to learn. It's also awesome to see girls return and remember the sport from the previous year. Being able to see a difference made is always heartwarming.
What was a fun bonding experience your team did?
- Before our last game against Vassar, one of our coaches had us do a jersey handover. She said something nice about the girl getting the first jersey and then she said something nice about the next girl getting a jersey. Everyone got to feel appreciated by someone else on the team, and we had a great time listening to the others say nice things about everyone else.
What will your team miss the most about this year?
- Rugby traditions are some of the most important parts of being a part of the team. You start out as a rookie, and then a grey, and then become a vet. Being a senior on the team is more than being a vet though. You go through all those years of being underclassmen and then you get to call the shots. After waiting 3 and a half years, seniors are missing out on the spring that would cement the last memories they would have with the team they've played with and grown with. Being a senior in the spring means spending one last celebratory week with the family you choose at Bryant, and being denied that by COVID-19 hurts on a different level. Rugby is so different than other sports because of our traditions and not being able to do our final little traditions is what hurts the most.
What the team looks forward to next year?
- We are looking forward to beating Vassar once and for all and being able to say we've made history again by winning the conference four years in a row.
Social Media:
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Follow @Bryant_Rugby on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates on the Women’s team
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For more information about Club Sports and Intramurals be sure to check out @Bryant_Rec on Instagram and Twitter