MEGAN CLARK
Special to The Leader
Last fall, USA Rugby changed the teams of both the men’s and the women’s divisions. The array of new teams has provided uncertainty for the season. Fredonia’s Blackhorse men’s and women’s both traveled to Ithaca last week, and both teams suffered a loss. This week, the men’s team was able to shut down Hobart with a final score of 52-7. The women’s team, however, did not fare as well against Syracuse; the team lost in a shut out of 32-0. Regardless, the rugby pitch was full of action as both teams had their first home matches of the season. The great weather had spectators lined up to watch both games.
The men played a great game, getting to the rucks to provide support and to keep their forward players moving. Tries were awarded to senior Raymond Howell, junior Zach Zika, senior Christian Hernandez and senior Jake Walsh. While these were all hard earned, no one ran the ball as hard as Josh Gascon, who ended the game with a total of four tries. Jake Walsh and senior Justin Radley made the conversion kicks awarding the team additional points. The win was a great advance over the previous loss in Ithaca. The men remain in good spirits about the rest of the season.
The women’s team did not fare as well. It was a tough blow after losing first to Ithaca, then to Syracuse on Saturday. However, the ladies remain very optimistic. “We’re building ourselves back up,” said senior Gretchen Herb, inside center.
“We have a lot of new players with a lot of potential for the future. We still have a lot of heart and we look forward to keep improving the team”.
Herb played a strong offensive game, running the ball into the opposition multiple times.Defensively senior Kate Urtz, junior Diamond Santana and senior Lisa Braun made tackle after tackle until Syracuse broke the line. Spreading the large pitch proved to be a
task at multiple times during the game and Syracuse played smart and broke through the line. The women usually play as a second-half team.
Along with new players, the women’s team also has a new coaching staff. Forwards Coach Timothy Nels encourages the team stating that even though they have yet to win, they are still making great strides.
“Keep working hard, and the wins will come” said Coach Nels With only two games completed, both teams have the chance to prove themselves and finish the season strong. The next home matches for men’s and women’s rugby will be Saturday, Oct. 5.