This Saturday, the RPI women’s rugby team finished the season with a win at home against St. Lawrence. The game began with a try scored by St. Lawrence, but the RPI women were determined not to let that break their confidence. They came from behind with a try of their own with a great run by Michaele Wezwick. Kicker Becca Lipp then made the conversion putting RPI up 7-5.
After pep talks from coaches Tom Rienzo and John Joyce, RPI ran out onto the field for the second half out for blood. Another try and conversion were scored, both by Lipp. While the RPI women could almost taste the imminent victory against a disheartened St. Lawrence, they dug deep and played strong through the end of the game, with a final score of 14-5.
The Red Hawks began the season building as a team with many rookie ruggers, and turned it into a winning season, finishing 4-2 despite setbacks due to injuries. Many of the women played through their injuries and re-injuries despite medical advice. The third win of the season was a traveling victory against a very burly Clarkson team on October 20th. This game was played two players short due to a lack of players able to travel that weekend. Despite the disadvantage of numbers, and the seven-hour trip, RPI women were determined not to make the long trek home in defeat. The Red Hawks practically ran circles around the slower Clarkson team, triumphing in a 22-0 game. Tries were scored by Barnes, Lipp, and Lindsay, and also one conversion by Lipp.
Sadly, this season marks the end of two great seniors’ rugby careers at RPI;: captain Michaele Wezwick and Shannon Cole. Their absence leaves two gaps in the back line that will be hard to fill with such skill and heart. The RPI women’s rugby team looks toward the spring season with high ambition, ready to take on the next challengers.
