The women’s rugby team wrapped up their season in a 121-14 victory against the Long Island University (LIU) Sharks, on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Park Ave Field. This was the team’s first time crossing the century mark since 2019 in a 122-0 shutout over Molloy University. The women’s 121 score was one point away from tying their all-time scoring mark.
Contributed by Graduate Student Andy Trevino
The team’s goal and mindset going into this game was to execute all the small details they’ve been working on.
“We work on bits and pieces throughout the entire season to form a structure of play, and our goal was to execute this structure in its entirety,” said graduate student Tara McWilliams, who is in her first year with the team.
The offense was clicking in every possible way against LIU.
“We were communicating effectively and listening to each other. We were dominant in the contact area which helped us create scoring opportunities. We moved the ball to space and executed our shape well,” said junior Marly Gurmendi.
The landslide win concluded their fall season with a 4-3-1 record in the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA).
Although the Pioneers missed the playoffs, head coach Michelle Reed, a strong advocate of team comradery and strong chemistry, could not be prouder of her team this season.
“You have to learn how to play better, but for that to happen you have to have a good team environment,” said Reed. “Our coaching staff, along with captains and leadership board, work hard to build an environment where you could be successful. That’s what I’m most proud of, that you can see that environment.”
The players also feel the team culture and bond promoted success and made new players feel accepted.
“This is my first year on the team as a graduate student, and I have been welcomed with open arms; we are a family, and I am honored I could be a part of the SHU rugby magic,” said McWilliams.
“We are a very tight knit team, teammates on the field and friends off,” said Gurmendi.
Reed has her team participate in “team connection preservation.” This encourages players to interact and connect with each other, especially if they previously haven’t connected as much.
“Those positive touches and interactions lead to the bigger goal and mission down the road,” said Reed. “It’s like putting deposits in the bank, at some point you or a teammate will have to make a withdrawal.”
The team is looking forward to the spring season after placing third overall in the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) Championship Tournament last spring.
Reed has high expectations for the team entering spring play. “Specifically, I’d like to be in that championship game,” said Reed.
Athletic Communications contributed to this article.
