Club Corner: Women's Rugby

JULIA TIERNAN/YH Despite failing to make nationals, the Elis were satisfied.

They come out to practice four times a week, get pounded into the ground and come away covered with bruises and cleat marks. They lift weights and condition in the offseason. They get up at 6 a.m. to drive to games and fundraise for trips to the national tournament. The women's rugby team had high expectations for this season, especially among returning senior players. Last year, the squad was first in its league and traveled to Milwaukee for the national tournament. This year, however, the Elis came up short, losing in the semi-finals of the regional tournament.

"The goal for this season was to return to the national tournament, but we had a tough season with a lot of tough breaks with injuries," treasurer and flyhalf Regina Fitzpatrick, BR '01, said. "It's a little disappointing and a little frustrating because we took it for granted that we should make it to nationals again. However, considering the circumstances of the season, we didn't do too badly."

Backs captain and scrumhalf Amanda Munoz, CC '00, agreed. "I can't say that it's not disappointing for us to have ended the season this way," she said. "As a member of the senior class, I am disappointed. But we were able to pass on our experiences and I have a lot of hope for them, next season and in the future."

For another player, prop Windsong Bergman, ES '00, the best part of the season was "seeing the rookies learning, being excited about the game and getting better and better with every game." Although she was upset about losing in the semifinals, Bergman feels this season was the best of her four years. "I got to play with women I've been playing with since I was a rookie, and to teach the newer players what rugby is all about," she said.

Munoz thinks players keep coming back to the team because of this mix of competitiveness and friendship that characterizes Yale women's rugby. "There are people whose favorite part of rugby is the workout and the success on the field," she said. "There are people who enjoy being part of a team. Basically, we're all self-motivated."

Senior players, despite their dedication, feel the squad suffers from a lack of money that hurts its chances for success. "If we had a little more support for the team, we wouldn't have to worry so much about funding and could concentrate on our game," hooker Isabel Cardenas-Navia, DC '00, said. Back Nicole Castonguay, SM '00, added, "It is difficult being a club sport, because we have to pay for our own vans, referees and trainers. We have to pay dues every term, which are tough for some people and we often have to pitch in for gas, hotels and other expenses."

Nonetheless, the season was still a success, forward Faye Chao, CC '01, the match secretary and flanker said. "I think people come to play rugby and stay to be part of the team. Being a part of the rugby team means being a part of the rugby family. It's like nothing else at Yale," Cardenas-Navia said.

—Anna Dolinsky

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