Nicole and Liz

The Wisconsin Women held their annual winter team meeting this Saturday and elected new team captains for Spring 2013.

Center Nicole Helmer returns to captainship as leader of the backs for this spring, after serving as Backs captains previously a few years ago. Helmer has played for UW-Eau Claire and the Chicago Women, in addition to qualifying for both Midwest Senior All-Star 15s and 7s.

Lock Liz Robinson takes the reins of the forwards as a first-time captain for the team. Liz played previously for Georgetown University and the Milwaukee Scylla, in addition to playing for the Wisconsin Senior All-Stars.

Due to a national restructuring for all leagues, the team will elect new captains again in August 2013 to match competitive play expected to now run from Fall through Spring for women’s teams.

The Wisconsin Women have qualified to the 2012 D2 Women’s Midwest Championships. Here is all the information you’ll need to follow the team.

2012 Midwest Championship Bracket - Midwest Rugby News

2012 Midwest Championships

Hosted by the Milwaukee Scylla

Location: Milwaukee County Sports Complex, Franklin, Wis.

Seeds:
1. Pittsburgh Angels
2. Scioto Valley Squirrels
3. Milwaukee Scylla
4. Wisconsin Women

Saturday, Oct. 27
Games held at Froemming Park, 8801 S. 51 St., Franklin, WI 53132
Game 1 – 11:00 a.m. – #1 Pittsburgh vs. #4 Wisconsin
Game 2 – 1:00 p.m. – #2 Scioto Valley vs. #3 Milwaukee

Wisconsin will check in at 9:00 a.m.

Sunday, Oct. 28
Games held in Stadium, 6000 W. Ryan Rd., Franklin, WI 53132
Game 3 – 10:00 a.m. – Championship Match – Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2
Game 4 – 12:00 p.m. – Consolation Match – Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2

Sunday’s Game 3 Winner is Midwest Champion and earns the Midwest’s lone qualification to the 2012 USA Rugby D2 Women’s National Championship. They will earn the automatic #2 seed at Nationals in Florida.

After suffering a last-second 12-11 loss to the Milwaukee Scylla last Saturday, Wisconsin earned the #2 spot in the Central League standings and traveled northwest to Minnesota to play the Northern League’s #1, the Twin Cities Amazons.

The home team opened up scoring first taking a 7-0 lead. Wisconsin answered back with a try by flanker Meghan Blodgett, coverted by hooker Elisa Becker, to even it at 7-7. The Zons took advantage of a lethargic first half for Wisconsin knocking in two more tries to build their lead to 19-7 before Wisconsin got on the board one more time with a try by prop Melissa “Helga” Pohleber (conversion missed) to notch 19-12. Prior to the half, the Amazons broke through Wisconsin’s defense a fourth time to enter the break at 24-12.

It was the tale of two halves however, as Wisconsin rallied back from it’s subpar first half to dominate play in the second half, with two more tries by Meaghan White and Mary Hanks, respectively. Weather conditions made kicking difficult and Wisconsin failed to convert on their scores, but shut down the Amazon attack successfully, allowing just a single penalty kick as time wound down.

Down 27-22 with no time left on the clock, Wisconsin’s outside center Nicole Helmer received a pass weakside from flyhalf Meaghan White to race in and score a try in the corner to tie the match.

The Assistant Referee signaled the try and the Wisconsin sideline exploded with cheers, however the Head Referee signaled a forward pass call to pull back the play, then immediately signaled the end of game. Many questioned the call (among others throughout the game), but the 27-22 result stood and Wisconsin’s season was done prematurely.

… Or was it?

Wisconsin’s long ride home and Sunday recovery saw a team distraught and angry at Saturday’s final play and the overall result of the last two game’s losses both in the final seconds. Coach Bob Jafferis credited the team for putting together one of the best comebacks he had seen in 30-some years of playing and coaching rugby. Amidst the mourning, plans were hatched for the off-season and how the team could rally back in 2013.

Monday proved a fateful day for the team however, as Wisconsin team captain Nadia Riese notified her teammates that – despite the loss – Wisconsin had qualified to the 2012 D2 Women’s Midwest Championships after all. Citing injuries and low roster numbers, the Amazons had forfeited the win to Wisconsin and could not travel to the Midwest tournament in two weekends. The official score would be recorded as 28-0 win for Wisconsin.

Further proof of the rugby gods favoring Wisconsin? They’ll play the Pittsburgh Angels in the first match of the tournament, earning a shot at revenge for the 2011 Midwest Championship final loss played in the snow and mud in Pittsburgh. The winners of this match will play the winner of the Milwaukee Scylla – Scioto Valley semifinal.

More details posted soon.

Wisconsin owned a seven-year unbeaten streak against the Scylla entering the match, reaching back to 2005. Both teams were tied in league standings at 3-0 a piece, however Milwaukee finally capitalized on their forward strength and took the match in the final seconds, 12-11.

Wisconsin’s lone try was scored by Kelly Mullen. Teammate Elisa Becker notched two penalty kicks to lead the team in scoring with six points.

With the victory, Milwaukee clinched an undefeated regular season and home-field advantage for next weekend’s Midwest playoffs. They’ll host the Northern League #2 Minneapolis Menagerie.

Wisconsin will travel to Minnesota to play Northern League #1 Twin Cities Amazons, the D2 counterpart to the nationally-ranked Women’s Premier League powerhouse. Kickoff is to be announced. The Zons will enter the match with a loss today to the Menagerie, but clinched the league’s top spot with bonus points in the standings.

Inside Center Laura Hanks kicking for a conversion.

She's a gazelle! Outside Center Nicole Helmer breaks away from the defense to score.

Wisconsin's defense waits for Oconomowoc to take the ball out of a ruck.

Try Awarded to inside center Laura Hanks.

Scrum versus Oconomowoc.

Wing Kelly Mullen racing for the try zone with support from inside center Laura Hanks.

Outrucking the opposition.

Waiting for the jumper.

Lock Liz Robinson kicks for a conversion.

A dangerous backline waiting for the ball - flyhalf Meaghan White, inside center Laura Hanks and outside center Nicole Helmer.

Flanker Amanda Stoltz with the ball and Hooker Emily Mastandrea in support.

No. 8 Kelly Clerkin on the attack through Oconomowoc's defense.

Hooker Emily Mastandrea throws in to flanker Amanda Stoltz jumping in the lineout.

Scrumhalf Mary Hanks waits for the scrum to settle against Oconomowoc.

Flanker Kris Peterson on a breakaway try versus Oconomowoc.

Wisconsin earned its third league victory of the season Saturday against the visiting Oconomowoc Women.

Due to a referee miscommunication, the official final score is being determined. Unofficial score stands at 95-0. The official score may be 95-0 or may be an eventual league forfeit of 28-0. Confirmed scores will be updated here as soon as they become available.

After much delay, Wisconsin’s official score against the Oconomowoc Women stands at 95-0.

Wisconsin is currently tied with the Milwaukee Scylla for 1st place in Western League Central Division standings with three victories a piece and 15 bonus points each. These teams will meet next Saturday, October 6, in Milwaukee to determine the league champion and who will earn playoff home advantage in post-season play.

Wisconsin has defeated the Scylla in every game between the two teams since 2005.

Photos by Elisa Becker.

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Wisconsin Lineup vs. Oconomowoc
1.  Corinna Senn
2.  Emily Mastandrea
3.  Molly Overby
4.  Liz Robinson
5. Melissa Polheber
6.  Amanda Stoltz
7. Kris Petersen
8. Kelly Clerkin
9.  Mary Hanks
10. Meg White
11. Emily Frerichs
12.  Laura Hanks
13. Nicole Helmer
14. Kelly Mullen
15. Shoshana Griffith
16.  Sammy Clevenger
17. Dana Gordon
18. Jenny Pederson
19. Sarah Whaley
20. Tonya Achter
21. Jess Winkler
22. Jane Sachs
23. Meg Dickoff

Scrumhalf Rebecca Stillman harassing the Sirens 9.

High fives all around.

Inside center Nicole Helmer connecting to outside center Kelly Mullen for an eventual try.

Hooker Elisa Becker kicking for one of her eight conversions.

Flanker Amanda Stoltz is all alone on a breakaway run for a try in the second half.

Prop Corinna Senn pops the ball to flanker Amanda Stoltz on the offload.

The forwards get the ball out to the backline.

No. 8 Kelly Clerkin securing clean ball in a won scrum versus the Sirens.

Steph Maule Likes This! Lock Steph Maule jumps for the ball with a throw-in from hooker Elisa Becker. Prop Mollie Overby awaits the play.

Flyhalf Meaghan White on the attack after a quick pass from scrumhalf Rebecca Stillman.

Try Awarded!

Our centers have also mastered the no-look high five.

Halftime huddle with Coach Bob Jafferis and the captains.

Flyhalf Meaghan White's wide pass flies out the hungry Wisconsin back line.

Wisconsin's talented rookies Corrina Senn (prop, from UW-Madison) and Amanda Stoltz (flanker, from UW-La Crosse) in a scrum versus the Sirens.

Scrum vs. the Sirens

Flyhalf Meaghan White running for the try zone with support from scrumhalf Rebecca Stillman and wing Emi Frerichs.

Team captain and prop Nadia Riese breaks through the defense on a crash.

Emi Frerichs beats several Sirens defenders to the outside for one of Wisconsin's first of 19 total tries.

Post-party celebration!

Outside Center Kelly Mullen on a breakaway for one of her six tries against the Sirens. Teammates Nicole Helmer (Inside Center) and Jessica Burda (Wing) in support.

Fans celebrate a big win with a tunnel for the team.

Fullback Shosana Griffith scores a try for Wisconsin. Wing Jessica Burda in support.

Wisconsin rolled to an dominating 127-0 victory against the visiting Chicago Sirens in front of a large home crowd Saturday.

Welcoming alumni and the club’s little sister team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin saw eight different players score tries during the match and three players notch conversions.

Outside center Kelly Mullen lead the team with six tries for 30 points during the match, followed by wing Emi Frerichs with four tries. Hooker Elisa Becker converted on eight of nine kicks to score 16 points in the first half, while teammates Mary Hanks and Liz Robinson handled the conversions in the second half of the match.

The team followed the match with a friendly b-side scrimmage with the UW team and celebrated the day’s victory with a joint social with its fellow victorious brother teams from the Wisconsin Rugby Club.

Just an all-around fun autumn day for Wisconsin Rugby in Madison. The team improves to 2-0 in league play and 3-0-1 overall this season. Wisconsin’s 127 points takes the mark as the largest amount of points scored in Midwest D-2 Western league play, knocking down the Twin Cities Amazons 122 and Palmer’s 111, both scored against the St. Cloud Sirens.

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Wisconsin Women – 127
Chicago Sirens – 0

Wisconsin Tries – Jessica Burda, Emi Frerichs (4), Shoshana Griffith, Mary Hanks (3), Kelly Mullen (6), Melissa Pohleber, Amanda Stoltz, Meaghan White (2).

Wisconsin Conversions – 16 of 19 total; Elisa Becker, 8 of 9; Mary Hanks, 1 of 2; Liz Robinson, 7 of 8.

Wisconsin Lineup:
1.  Nadia Riese
2.  Elisa Becker
3. Molly Overby
4. Melissa Polheber
5. Steph Maule
6. Mary Hanks
7. Sarah Whaley
8. Kelly Clerkin
9. Rebecca Stillman
10. Meg White
11. Jane Sachs
12. Nicole Helmer
13. Kelly Mullen
14. Emily Frerichs
15. Shoshana Griffith
16. Dana Gordon
17. Corinna Senn
18. Jessica Burda
19. Samantha Clevenger
20. Emily Mastandrea
21. Liz Robinson
22. Amanda Stoltz
23. Michelle Blaser

B-Side with UW
Ericka Becker
Meg Dickoff
Jenny Pederson
Jess Winkler

Flanker and scrumhalf Mary Hanks charges up the field against the Chicago Sirens with support from No. 8 Melissa “Helga” Polheber and teammates (August 25, 2012 in Milwaukee, WI).

Shaping up to be an exciting home weekend, the Wisconsin Women are celebrating their team history with an Alumni Day and a league match against the Chicago Sirens Saturday.

Kickoff is at 11 a.m. at the WRC Sports Complex, followed by a b-side friendly match with the “visiting” UW-Madison Women at 12:30. Wisconsin is favored to win the Midwest Division II league match against the Sirens, after an earlier friendly match August 25 that saw Wisconsin defeat the Chicago team in Milwaukee, 92-0, in 60 minutes.

Wisconsin’s developmental players will play UW-Madison’s top side for 20 minutes, then help fill the roster for a Red versus White intrasquad match for the UW Women before they continue their Division I collegiate season.

Alumni and fans will also enjoy home games for the Wisconsin Rugby Club men’s Division II and Division III teams, then stick around to enjoy a pig roast social with all of the teams.

Wisconsin lines up for boot check with the referee prior to kickoff versus the Will County Morrigans, September 8.

The Wisconsin Women opened their Fall 2012 Midwest Division II season with a dominant 40-7 victory on the road against the Will County Morrigans, Saturday, Sept. 8.

Game details are still forthcoming and will be added shortly. (Updated below, 09/20/12)

Wisconsin improves to 1-0 for the league season, 3-0 overall. The women in red have a bye this weekend, Sept. 15, before welcoming the Chicago Sirens to the Wisconsin Rugby Club Sports Complex on Saturday, Sept. 22.

In other league games, the Milwaukee Scylla defeated the Chicago Sirens, 49-0, and the new Twin Cities Amazons D-2 side defeated the Minneapolis Menagerie (score unknown).

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Game Report by Wisconsin Backs Captain, Lily Khadempour.

The WWRFC played their league season opener against the Will County Morrigans. It was a beautiful sunny day on a pitch that was slightly smaller than regulation but with healthy, soft grass, which helped to get both teams through a physical game with no serious injuries. The WWRFC kicked off to the Morrigans but quickly regained ball possession and dominated the first half of the game. Jane Sachs had an early break-through to advance the WWRFC close to the try line. A few phases later, Laura Hanks finished the job and scored the first try of the game, three minutes in.

Emily Frerichs had a long run down the sideline and would have scored a try except that she accidentally ran through the dead ball line because the try zone was shorter than usual. In response, Mary Hanks broke through the line, off-loading to veteran fly-half, Meghan Odling, who finished the play with a try.

Soon after, Kelly Mullen scored a try after three consecutive off-loads from her teammates. This play highlighted the WWRFC’s strength as a fast-moving, dynamic team and open playing style.

On the ensuing kick-off, Melissa (Helga) Polheber ran 40m to regain field position. This made it possible for winger Rebecca Stillman to score in the corner, for one more before the end of the half. Throughout the first half, the WWRFC dominated the scrums and was adjusting well to the new IRB scrummage rules. However, the Morrigans failed to engage correctly and the novice referee changed the scrums to uncontested for the majority of the game. This change affected the WWRFC’s momentum and made them frustrated and tentative going into the second half, despite their sizable lead.

In the early parts of the second half, scoring was hard to find. Both teams were plagued with penalties and the game lost the fluidity of the first half. The Morrigans picked up their game and rallied to gain good field position a number of times but were quickly pushed back to their end each time by a solid WWRFC defense. The WWRFC forwards managed to get two more tries in the second half, one by Kris Petersen and another by Melissa “Helga” Polheber.

The Morrigans’ outstanding full back, Sarah Kish, managed to get one try on the board near the end of the game. Elisa Becker made 5 of 6 conversion attempts for a final score of 40-7. The WWRFC played all 22 players on their roster and had positive contributions from all. Backs captain Lily Khadempour was not able to play due to a pulled hamstring and forwards captain Naida Reise came out in the first half because of bronchitis. The team stepped up and showed their depth which will prove useful as the team hopes to advance to Division II National Championships.

Line up:
1. Nadia Riese
2. Emily “Mouth” Mastandrea
3. Elisa Becker
4. Melissa “Helga” Polheber
5. Laura Hanks
6. Sarah Whaley
7. Amanda Stoltz
8. Steph Maule
9. Mary Hanks
10. Meghan Odling
11. Emily Frerichs
12. Jane Sachs
13. Kelly Mullen
14. Rebecca Stillman
15. Shoshana Griffith
16. Ericka Becker
17. Jenny Pederson
18. Kris Petersen
19. Michelle Blaser
20. Anne Sophie Daloz
21. Tracy Francis
22. Jess Winkler

Wisconsin captain and flyhalf Meaghan White on the attack versus the County Will Morrigans.

Wisconsin will open its 2012 Division II league campaign this Saturday, September 8, in Manhattan, Illinois.

Kickoff versus the Will County Morrigans is at 11 a.m. at Manhattan Central Park.

Wisconsin last met Will County at home on September 24 last year and claimed a 29-12 victory against the visiting Morrigans.