By Jonathan Sawyer
Assistant Sports Editor
Saturday was a disappointing day for the women’s rugby team as it fell short of reaching the second round of states, losing to Union College 19-37. But the Bonnies played one of their hardest games, said senior fullback Jusette Joseph.
“Within the first half, two of our players were taken out of the game due to injuries and for safety precautions, and by the end of the game, many of our players were bruised and battered,” Joseph said.
Junior winger Sarah Faltyn said not being able to see Union play before affected the end score.
“I think not having played Union’s team before and not knowing what to expect with them kind of factored into the game,” Faltyn said.
Union arrived late to the game, which didn’t help the Bonnies either, players said.
“A lot of us were frustrated, so our initial preparation of warming up and mentally preparing to play kind of fizzled out,” said Joseph. “Although our captain, Carley Doyle, and president, Emily Mulchahey, gave great motivational speeches, it kind of took us a second to get into the game.”
Even though cutting their season short wasn’t a part of their plan, they grew as a team, especially after losing a high number (13) of seniors last year, according to Faltyn.
“Last year there were a lot of great players who graduated, and everyone was a little unsure on how it would go this year because of that,” said Faltyn. “We all wanted to win games and go as far as we could in the season, but a lot was focused on learning the game and new ways to play, and I think we did both of these really well all season.”
Improving for next year is a big off season goal for the Bonnies, according to Faltyn.
“In the offseason, it is still pretty important to keep up on fitness and continue going to the gym,” said Faltyn. “Just because the season is over, it doesn’t mean that we should all sit around and do nothing now. So keeping up on staying in shape and also just little things like playing catch with a rugby ball so we’re not so unfamiliar with it all once the season starts up again (are important).”
Moving on from the program and playing her last game on Saturday in a Bonnie uniform, Joseph said she believes the team will need to work hard to keep team chemistry.
“The team would need to have a solid level of communication and would have to work together to get a strong level of chemistry on the field as well as use each other’s strengths but recognize each others weaknesses,” said Joseph.
Not only do players work to be better athletes when playing rugby, being on the rugby team is like joining another family, according to Joseph.
“My teammates have been my family for the past four years, and I honestly couldn’t even imagine Bona’s without thinking of them. Being on the rugby team has not only shaped me as an athlete but as a person,” said Joseph. “Being with my team every day at practice and having them by my side during games and even going through struggles of morning practice together has taught me how to be a better person and not just think of myself.”
