WORCESTER, Mass. - The combination of veteran players and rookies finally clicked for the Roger Williams University Women’s Rugby Club, as they crushed the reigning DIV National Champs from Holy Cross, 34-0.
Moving to DIII this season, Holy Cross was undefeated, while Roger Williams was 0-2. Yet the Hawks were superior in every phase of the game, dominant in the rucks and scrums, tackling with authority, and running almost at will on their opponent’s home field.
Veteran players Alison Littleton (Woburn, Mass.), Lauren Bergeron, Brittany Gallin (Glen Rock, N.J.), and Erin O’Connell (Farmington, Conn.) put forth great efforts, and newer players such as prop Karli Rigali, 2nd row Chelsea Phelps, and hooker Sarah Kuhn followed their lead. Captain and scrum half Stephanie Watson (Reading, Mass.) continually fed the ball to the forwards, who surged ahead time and again. Then it was out to the backs, who took advantage of the forwards’ ability to win consistent ball. Inside center Brittany Vail led the scoring with two tries, fly half Diana Denio notched a try, conversion, and penalty kick, and wing Dayna Smith and center Gallin also scored. Jenny Schermerhorn (Sherborn, Mass.) kicked two conversions.
“This is one of the most complete games I’ve ever seen the Hawks play,” said Head Coach Tom Campbell. “I knew we had some great athletes, some of them just had to learn the game. They’ve improved with every match, and now it’s on to Danbury.”
The Lady Hawks take on Western Connecticut State University next.