Women's rugby roster rucks against rape

Author: Tommy Mayell

Women's rugby emerged from a weekend of physical play with a 0-0 tie against UVM and a 48-0 blowout win against Green Mountain College. The D-III Panthers played out of division in both games, first struggling to a tie against D-II UVM and then crushing D-IV Green Mountain. The Ruggers Against Rape tournament is an annual tournament organized by the UVM rugby team to raise money for the Women's Rape Crisis Center in Burlington. All proceeds went to the center.

Middlebury's first game was a tactical battle, as both teams kicked well to stay out of trouble. Tactical kicking from Evan Pagano '12 and Rachel Korschun '09 kept UVM's offense at bay. "It was a forward-oriented game, and a good, hard-hitting game," said Korschun.

Middlebury's strong defense stopped the Catamounts repeatedly, but the Catamounts did the same to the Panthers. Despite offensive chances on both ends of the field, both teams were ultimately unable to capitalize and the final score remained deadlocked at zero. Still, the Panthers gained valuable experience against a quality D-II team. "We were expecting a good game," said team president Alice Ford '09. "We didn't win, but it felt like a good game."

Middlebury's offense exploded in its second game as the women faced a less experienced Green Mountain College team. Among the Panther scorers were Ann McGrain '09 with four, Emma Lennon '11 with two, Avery Rain '11 with one and Emma Burke '12 with one. "We were able to score well, but also work on new things," said Ford. "We were able to work on our set pieces."

As evident from the variety of scorers, the Panthers play a teamwork intensive game. "There's not really one leader on the team," said Ford. "We come together as a cohesive unit. We listen to each other's constructive cricticisms."

Next week, the Panthers will need both the defensive intensity they demonstrated against UVM and the potent offense they exhibited against Green Mountain College, as they prepare to face a talented Dartmouth team in their final game of the season. "We have made a lot of progress," said Ford. "It will be great to see how we've come together."

Part of that team unity has developed this year, thanks to the team's weekly Grille Delivery service, which they plan on continuing next fall. Rather than adhering to assigned shifts, the rugby women count on each other to sign up. "People realize if they don't pull their end, it puts that trust relationship in jeopardy. All the girls are really good about showing up and doing it," said Ford.

That unity has been a long time in the making. The Panthers endured a difficult finish to their fall season. Middlebury lost in the New England championship game, leaving them one win away from qualifying for the national tournament in the spring. The Ruggers Against Rape tournament, while not declaring an official winner, left the Panthers satisfied with both their performance and their fundraising. "It's always good when you're playing a female sport to identify with female problems," said Ford.

After the Panthers conclude their competitive season against Dartmouth this weekend, they will hold their annual Blue and White game. The team splits up and some former players even make the trek back to Middlebury to take part in the competition. It just goes to show: unity lasts more than four years.