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This past Saturday, the University of Maine women’s rugby team earned a monumental win against in-state rival Colby College, trouncing them 53-0.
A team that has consistently proved to be a tough force, the Black Bears dominated – their defense shut out the Mules and prevailed for their second win of the season. It was the first time UMaine has shut out their opponent.
Both Colby and UMaine came out strong to begin the game – the Black Bears used teamwork and good communication to break through for two scores that put Maine up 14-0 at halftime.
Senior Alexandria Small, who was out of the game with a concussion, expressed her pride in her fellow teammates.
“We lagged a bit in the first half, but toward the end were playing our game really well organized and with the movement of one entity,” Small said. “We had the rhythm, flow and energy of a connected team of women – a tribe of women warriors. I am proud of what we have accomplished.”
The Black Bears found it was easier to gain momentum with home field advantage and continued to dominate in the second half.
While the team focused on defense following their loss to the University of New Hampshire, it was the offense that pulled through in the second half, thanks to a dominant offensive cast that included junior captain Victoria Passmore, senior Kat Bailey and senior Amanda Kulik. First-time player Kelcey Moreau could not be stopped. She scored a team-record four tries. Junior and co-captain Kelly L. White notched her first career hat trick.
White had nothing but great things to say about the team. She cited hard work and dedication as the reason for the Black Bears’ victory.
“I think that in the second half we came out really strong and worked our offense really well,” she said.
While the Black Bears worked together as a team, it was also the individuals who helped garner the win, as many players broke through the Mules’ defense to score.
Despite this, the players were humble in acknowledging victory, feeling that Colby was a worthy opponent.
“Overall, I think that this game just shows how much we’ve improved as a team because Colby is a team that has given us a good challenge in the past,” said sophomore Jordan Moody, who also had a strong performance. “To rack up so many points against a team that has been an equal competitor proves how far we’ve come. “
After Colby put together a few plays, the Black Bear defense was able to stifle them and keep the Mules from getting near the try zone.
“Overall, it was great. It felt good,” sophomore Lindsey McKenna said.
The Black Bears, who now improve to 2-1 on the season, and a perfect 2-0 at home, will hit the road over fall break and take on the University of Maine-Farmington for their next-to-last game of the regular season.
