published on 04/12/07

Rugby teams achieve national rankings

Elizabeth Pacheco Sports Editor

After ending their fall seasons with defeats in the semi-final rounds of the National Rugby Union Championships, the men and women’s rugby teams have both regained success in their recently achieved national rankings. Before their games this past weekend, the men’s team was ranked 18th in Division II and the women’s team was ranked seventh in Division I, a nine-place jump from their previous postion at number 16.

However, the women’s ranking could drop after their 24-17 loss on April 7 to tough opponent Yale University, ranked 20th. During the fall, the team proved their strength by losing only two regular season games, one to third-ranked Pennsylvania State University and another to second-ranked Army (two additional losses to Army resulted from post-season play).

In order to continue this success, head coach of the men’s and women’s teams Tony Brown said that this spring season is “about development for Fall 2007.” Traditional senior starters are commonly rotated out of position to allow underclassmen to experience roles they may fill in the fall. “It’s a balancing act trying to maintain a level of play that allows us to win while looking at options and combinations that will work next fall,” said Brown. The team will hopefully find this balance as they look to defend their Seven Sisters title at home this Saturday, April 14.

For the men’s team, their national ranking is a little more unexpected. “For some time now, the men’s team has cheered on the women’s team, who is perennially ranked in the Top 20 for the Division I rankings, and it feels good to join them in the national rankings,” said tri-captain Andrew Abshere ’07. With this ranking as proof of the team’s dedication and desire to succceed, the men will put their hard work to the test as they match up against New York Metropolitan champions the United States Merchant Marine Academy and Division I ranked Kings Point College. Following these games, the men and women will compete in the two-day Beast of the East Tournament, which features the toughest New England teams.

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