Zach Waltz
Sports Editor
The women’s rugby team is coming off of a 39-0 win over Geneseo last weekend.
Junior prop Julia Rodriguez said the Bonnies have been working on the basics to keep the momentum going against Niagara tomorrow at 1 on McGraw-Jennings field.
“This week, we have been working more on power stepping, offloading and support,” Rodriguez said. “We play small games of touch to help us with rucking as well. Also, the backs are working on the plays for offense, and the forwards have been working on scrum, getting low and lineouts. And all will pay off this weekend.”
The team is currently going through a transitional period right now, with sophomore men’s rugby players Luis Carpio and Johnathan Hines and women’s rugby alumni Laura Calamia filling in as a coaching staff while Coach Tracy Schrems is out due to personal reasons. Rodriguez said this has only improved the team’s performance on and off the field.
“Luis Carpio, Johnathan Hines and Laura Calamia have been doing a fantastic job coaching us along with Dr. Schrems,” Rodriguez said. “They have definitely given the team a boost of confidence by implementing their knowledge on the fundamentals of rugby. This has made the team grow into what it is today. We have developed into being progressive rugby players, but we also improved academically as a team, finishing the semester with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 from Spring 2014.”
Rodriguez said the win against the Knights was a big step for the team, but there are ways the team can improve to continue playing at a high level.
“There is always something that we can improve on, but I think the most important thing that we need to focus on is rucking and communicating,” Rodriguez said.
While the team is working on their rucking and communication on the field, Rodriguez said the team’s biggest strength is their on-field support during practice and games.
“One of the many strengths of the team that we have is that we are very big on motivating each other,” Rodriguez said. “We always cheer each other on during practice and during games especially. During the game, our defense is very strong by firing up and tackling the opposing team.”
Rodriguez lauded the team for its overall performance, mentioning a couple players that played exceptionally well for the squad against Geneseo.
“Everyone did an amazing job at the game, but there were players that stood out the most,” Rodriguez said. “Emily Mulcahey, Yulemny Mendez, Lauren Peachie, all stood out to me and many others. I do believe that everyone had their moments like Erin Ballou, Carley Doyle, Emily Mulcahey making their first college tries.”
waltzzd12@bonaventure.edu
