Category: Games

October 3, 2015March 1, 2016

WWRFC Assails Amazons 55-12

Back home at the Wisconsin Rugby Sports Complex, the Wisconsin Women shut down the visiting Twin Cities Amazons 55-12 to improve to 4-0 in Midwest Division 2 league play.

The Amazons, the D2 side of the USA Rugby Women’s Premier League (WPL) top team of the same name, always bring a tough and talented roster. Despite traveling with only one side, the league match proved to be very physical.

Wisconsin flanker Kris Peterson helped the team jump out to an early lead with a try at the one-minute mark. Wisconsin’s backs then took charge with tries scored by wing Felicia Carlson, wing Justine Wypych (2), and outside center Katie “KO” Odens.

Held out of the try zone throughout the first half, Amazon lock Xanthi Gerasimo broke the shutout with a try for the orange and blue in the 32nd minute. Amazon flyhalf Ariana Koras made the conversion for a halftime score of 26-7.

Wisconsin limited its subs at the half and came out firing again to start the second half. Forwards captain and hooker Emily “Mouth” Mastandrea earned a try for the pack in the 46th minute.

Peterson sealed the match with two more tries to earn a hat trick for the day and Carlson ended scoring with a final try at the 65-minute mark. Flyhalf Elisa Becker converted five of nine kicks to put 10 additional points on the board for Wisconsin.

The Amazons never quit the match however. Gerasimo scored a second try in the final minute to wrap up the match at 55-12.

View the official USA Rugby match report here.

View the official USA Rugby match rosters here.

September 26, 2015March 1, 2016

Wisconsin Earns 69-14 Road Win at Palmer

jjjj — Wisconsin scrum versus Palmer Women. Photo by Patrick Barron.

The season’s first away match proved to be no problem for the Wisconsin Women’s Rugby team as they earned a 69-14 victory in Iowa against the Palmer Women.

The win improves Wisconsin to 3-0 in the Midwest Division 2 league standings.

The lopsided score saw Wisconsin score 12 tries, predominantly with wide-out play by the team’s backs. WWRFC wing Sybil Levine opened up scoring at the one-minute mark. Additional tries followed by fullback Ashley Shaw, outside center Justine Wypych, and opposite wing Felicia Carlson. Levine, Wypych, and Carlson later each earned a second try a piece.

Forward flanker Kris Peterson and No. 8 Grace Hovde also contributed to the scoreboard, with one try and two tries respectively.

Palmer’s roster challenged Wisconsin in fitness and defensive attack which slowed down the visiting team’s scoring opportunities later in the match as Wisconsin also started subbing across the roster. Palmer ended Wisconsin’s hopes for a shutout with two tries in the closing minutes by Helga Thorolfsdottir and Callie Horstman.

Wisconsin ended the match with a final try by prop-turned-wing Melissa “Helga” Pohleber, playing in the backline due to injuries to teammates.

Wisconsin flyhalf Elisa Becker added three successful conversions to the scoreline overall.

View the official USA Rugby match report here.

View the official USA Rugby match rosters here.

September 19, 2015December 17, 2015

Wisconsin Rallies for 49-20 Win Against Scylla

ggggg — **Rookie and veteran teammates enjoying the post-match social together at Wilson’s Bar & Grill.**

Despite several new faces on the roster, the Wisconsin Women’s Rugby team continued to prove that it won’t be resting on its laurels this fall.

Wisconsin welcomed in-state rivals, the Milwaukee Scylla, to the Wisconsin Rugby Sports Complex in Cottage Grove on Saturday, September 19. The match marked the second Midwest Division 2 Women’s league match of the fall for the home team.

Matches versus the Scylla are always bruising and this was no different as Milwaukee opened up scoring first. Scrums and physicality in the forwards was expected, but Wisconsin also had to shut down the Scylla’s larger size in the backline as well. The scoring remained tight with only a 14-12 advantage for Wisconsin heading into the halftime with tries scored by No. 8 Grace Hovde and speedy wing Felicia Carlson. Former hooker and now flyhalf Elisa Becker took care of business with two perfect conversions to keep the home-field advantage.

The second half saw Wisconsin’s speed and superior fitness take its toll on the Scylla however. The women in red used their continuity and aggressive play on the fringe to retain the ball and notch tries for flanker Kris Peterson, outside center Katie Odens, prop Melissa Pohleber, Carlson, and fullback Ashley Shaw. Becker was faultless off the tee with her conversions, going seven for seven on the match to bring the final scoreline to 49-20. The win improves Wisconsin to 2-0 overall in Midwest league play.

View the official USA Rugby match report here.

View the official USA Rugby match rosters here.

In a second developmental match between the two teams, Wisconsin and the Scylla played to a scoreless tie.

September 12, 2015December 17, 2015

Wisconsin Kicks Off 2015 Fall Season with 67-3 Victory Against Menagerie

The Wisconsin Women kicked off their fall season at home with a win against the Minneapolis Menagerie on September 12 at 11 a.m. Conditions were an optimal sunny 63 degrees with little to no wind.

For their first league match, the team showcased this year’s round of new players and some changes in the lineup. Former hooker for the club, Elisa Becker, made her debut as flyhalf while Cori Jensen filled former Forwards Captain Jessica Burda’s boots as loose head prop with Burda sliding into an assistant coaching position for WWRFC.

This year, Wisconsin will see a younger team on the field as they defend their USA Rugby national title.

Grace Hovde (No. 8) and Melissa “Helga” Polheber (tighthead prop) excelled as key factors in contact and Katie “KO” Odens (outside center) easily found holes in the Menagerie defense. Kris Peterson (strongside flanker) aggressively took on each lineout, forcing Minneapolis’ hand at times.

Wisconsin scored its first try of the match only three minutes in after wing Justine “JT” Wypych beat the opposition on the corner. Blindside flanker, Lauren McCormack, touched the ball down after multiple scrums and picks (13’). The Menagerie earned their first and last points of the game with a penalty kick by Alexia Berg.

Peterson (27’), Odens (32’) and wing Sybil Levine (38’) each scored a try before halftime with Becker making three of her five kicks.

SCORE AT HALF: 31—3

Emi Frerichs came on for McCormack at half and Wypych scored her second try (50’) of the day after burning Menagerie’s defense on the outside and cutting back in. Odens set up Hovde for a sideline try (55’) then was subbed for rookie Callie Graves. Sammy Clevenger came on for Hovde and rookie Felicia Carlson subbed for Wypych just after she scored her first hat trick of the season (61’).

Jensen and Peterson subbed off with rookie Kim Gilmore and Alayna Hronek eager for some playing time. Becker stripped the ball nicely from the Menagerie and passed it out to speedy Levine who got her second try of the match 67 minutes in.

At the 70-minute mark, Forwards Captain Emily “Mouth” Mastandrea subbed off for rookie Anna Kalinsky, while Polheber was swapped for Emma Zoch. Carlson earned her first try ever after she used her incredible speed to touch the ball down (73’). Ashley Shaw, fullback, added her name to try scorers after she received a pass from Levine (78’).

hhhhhh — **Players of the Match Brittany A., Bree V., and Rosie M., who finally received her 2014-2015 Team Heart Award. Missing: Katie O.**

FINAL SCORE: 67—3
11 tries were scored by 8 different players and Becker made six of her 11 conversions.

View the official USA Rugby Match Report

View the official USA Rugby Match Rosters

POST-MATCH HONORS:
Odens was named Player of the Match by the Menagerie while WWRFC’s team honors went to Brittany Aprahamian as Forward of the Match, Odens for Back of the Match, and Bree Valenza as overall Player of the Match.

WWRFC Lineup:
1.   Cori Jensen
2.   Emily “Mouth” Mastandrea (C)
3.   Melissa “Helga” Polheber
4.   Brittany Aprahamian
5.   Sarah Thomas
6.   Lauren McCormack
7.   Kris Peterson
8.   Grace Hovde
9.   Jenn Johnson
10.   Elisa Becker
11.   Justine “JT” Wypych
12.   Bree Valenza
13.   Katie “KO” Odens
14.   Sybil Levine
15.   Ashley Shaw
16.   Anna Kalinsky
17.   Emma Zoch
18.   Kim Gilmore
19.   Sammy Clevenger
20.   Emi Frerichs
21.   Alayna Hronek
22.   Felicia Carlson
23.   Callie Graves

Wisconsin takes on the Milwaukee Syclla on September 19 at the Wisconsin Rugby Complex at 12 p.m. You can follow the game on twitter.com/WIWomensRugby for live updates.

We’re the Wisconsin Women’s team …

Written By: Lauren McCormack

August 29, 2015October 9, 2015

Alumni Weekend Celebrates Four Decades of Women’s Rugby

Four decades of women’s rugby players came together this August 28-29, 2015 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of women’s rugby in Madison, Wisconsin. More than 100 current players, alumni, family, friends, and fans enjoyed a weekend of rugby fun and camaraderie.

The original club team, Wisconsin Women’s Rugby Football Club, was founded in 1975 and over the past forty years grew into the current senior women’s team and also the University of Wisconsin-Madison Women’s Rugby team.

Alumni Weekend Banner — **A banner welcomes Alumni to the Friday night kickoff social**

On Friday night, current players and alumni kicked off Alumni Weekend at State Street Brats Tavern in downtown Madison. Alumni were happy to share their stories of rugby revelry to impress and entertain the current players.

UW Alum Heather Schmitt, who currently plays for Detroit, charging downfield

Saturday morning saw a full side of alumni from both teams – the Wisconsin Women and the UW Women – spanning all four decades dig out shorts and boots to take on the current UW Women’s side at the Wisconsin Rugby Sports Complex in Cottage Grove, Wis. A particularly dangerous combination of Diane Milligan and Jill Cohan sharing time at scrumhalf with Meghan White at flyhalf and Heather Schmitt at Inside Center saw the alumni slice through the current UW team’s defense for a number of tries. In the scrum, several alumni forwards kept switching positions until they remembered how to actually scrum.

UW's backline on the attack against the Alumni (white jerseys) — **UW’s backline (red jerseys) on the attack against the Alumni (white jerseys)**

Meanwhile, the UW players were excited to learn in the middle of the alumni match that they had picked up a ringer with former World Cup hooker Cynthia (Gehrke) Orvis. “She played in the World Cup?! Shut up!”

On the sidelines, the alumni weekend celebration grew more special with an appearance by one of the team’s founders, Cindy Stabler. Cindy helped establish the club’s storied history of excellent socials in the 1970s, a tradition the current team is proud to carry on still after every match. Special thanks to Nancy “Red” Thorne Cahill and Lisa Riehl for helping us reach more alumni and all of our local alumni (Jill C., Diane, Elina Cillier, Amy Prevost, Cynthia O., etc.) for helping share the word.

Following the alumni match, the current Wisconsin Women’s team earned its first victory of the new fall season with a 48-10 win in a friendly match against the Division 1 Chicago Women.

Alumni capped the weekend in traditional form by continuing the celebration at Wisconsin’s sponsor bar, Wilson’s Bar & Grill, and singing and dancing into the wee hours of the morning thanks to a dance floor and karaoke.

Please save the date for the 2016 Alumni Weekend – our 41st Anniversary – on Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27, 2016. Alumni weekend will always be the weekend *before* Labor Day Weekend. See you there!

Here are some more photos from the weekend:

July 22, 2015October 9, 2015

Celebrate 40 Years of Women’s Rugby in Madison at Alumni Weekend, Aug. 28-29

Wisconsin Women’s Rugby and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Women’s Rugby Club invite you to celebrate 40 years of women’s rugby with us in Madison, August 28-29, for Alumni Weekend 2015!

UPDATE – Please visit the Our Alumni page for complete details, to register, and complete your alumni questionnaire.

Join us Friday night, August 28 in downtown Madison and Saturday, August 29 at the Wisconsin Rugby Sports Complex for a fun weekend celebrating women’s rugby in our city.

Founded as one women’s rugby team in 1975, the two teams have continued to grow and thrive on the competitive rugby pitch since the beginning.

On Friday night, current members and alumni of both teams will meet up at 6 p.m. in the outdoor patio and beer garden of State Street Brats on State Street in the heart of the UW-Madison campus and downtown Madison.

On Saturday, the UW Women’s active team will play a short, fun, and friendly match against any willing alumni at 11:30 a.m. Alumni and fans can stick around for the 1 p.m. kickoff of the Wisconsin Women vs. the Division 1 Chicago Women (an opponent from the beginning!). A picnic social will follow the games.

And REMEMBER – Our alumni events will always be the Saturday before Labor Day weekend moving forward. Hope to see you soon!

June 14, 2015March 1, 2016

Wisconsin Wins USA Rugby 2015 D2 National Championship!

The Wisconsin Women’s Rugby team earned its first-ever USA Rugby National Championship on Sunday, June 14, with a hard-fought 38-28 victory against the Sacramento Amazons at Colorado’s Infinity Park Stadium.

Wisconsin had swept the Midwest playoffs to earn the 2015 Midwest Championship and continued the sweep at the USA Rugby East Regionals to represent the entire eastern half of the United States at the D2 national final. A perennial national qualifier and the 2014 D2 Runner-Up, Sacramento had similarly swept their competition to qualify as the country’s West champion.

June 5, 2015July 22, 2015

Media Alert: Historic Season Sends Two Madison Rugby Teams To National Championships

MEDIA ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 5, 2015

PDF of Media Alert

TEAM MEDIA CONTACTS:
Women’s Team – Jessica Burda
608-712-1481 / jesrupe@yahoo.com
Men’s Team – Adam Thimming
315-751-9588 / rugbymastera@gmail.com

Historic Season Sends Two Madison Rugby Teams To National Championships

Local Men’s and Women’s Programs in USA Finals June 14

MADISON, WI – Success for Madison’s rugby teams has become a strong tradition in the past few years. But the 2015 season is proving to be one for the record books. Two of Madison’s local competitive adult rugby teams – the Wisconsin Rugby Club and Wisconsin Women’s Rugby – have advanced to the USA Rugby Division 2 National Championship Finals on Sunday, June 14 in Glendale, Colo.

The Women will play the Sacramento Amazons (Calif.) for the national title at 1:15 p.m. MT at Infinity Park Stadium. The Men will battle the Life West Gladiators (Hayward, Calif.) for the men’s D2 gold medal at 3:15 p.m. MT. The matches represent a possible third national title for the men following championships in 1998 and 2013, while the women look for their first.

After completing successful spring seasons in their local Midwest competitive leagues, both teams advanced to sweep the Midwest Rugby Union’s Championships May 16-17 in Lemont, Ill. Last weekend saw both teams travel to Charlotte, N.C. to compete in the USA Rugby National Quarterfinals (Round of 8) and Semifinals (Round of 4). The women defeated Burlington (Vt.) 26-15 and Augusta (Ga.) 41-12 to advance to the national final. The men knocked out New York 19-10 and Atlanta Old White (Ga.) 24-15 to earn another shot at the title.

The teams will complete team practices and preparations at the Wisconsin Rugby Sports Complex in Cottage Grove, Wis., for the next week before traveling west next Friday, June 12. Practices are open to the media for photos, video, and interviews. Please contact Jessica (608-712-1481) or Adam (315-751-9588) prior to attending practices.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE – Wisconsin Rugby Sports Complex, 4064 Vilas Rd., Cottage Grove, Wis.
Saturday, June 6 – Women, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; Men, 10:30 – 12:00 p.m.
Monday, June 8 and Wednesday, June 10 – Women, 5:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Tuesday, June 9 and Thursday, June 11 – Men, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Fans of the teams can follow social media for live match updates and news.
Women – www.facebook.com/wwrfc and www.twitter.com/WIWomensRugby
Men – www.facebook.com/wisconsinrugbyclub and www.twitter.com/WRC_Rugby

USA Rugby will also be live-streaming both matches via http://usarugbytv.com/. More information on the Championships from USA Rugby can be found here – http://usarugby.org/club-news/item/club-rugby-15s-national-championship-matchups-now-set.

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Note: This was updated 3 p.m. on Friday, June 5 to correct the dates of practice days.

February 26, 2014February 26, 2014

Madison To Host USA Rugby National Championships

February 26, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Jessica Burda, 608-712-1481

MADISON TO HOST USA RUGBY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Wisconsin Welcomes Nation’s Top Men’s & Women’s Rugby Teams May 31 – June 1, 2014

MADISON, WIS. — Madison’s rugby community reaches back more than 50 years and spans nine teams, but this hard-hitting sport has quietly built up a tradition of success and camaraderie here for players of all ages.

Now Madison, and the nine teams that form Madison United Rugby, are poised to step into a brighter national spotlight this spring as the city will play host to the USA Rugby Emirates Airlines Senior Club National Championships at Breese Stevens Field, May 31 – June 1.

The Championships will see single match battles for three divisions of men’s senior club rugby and two divisions of women’s senior club rugby to determine the nation’s best teams.

“We’re excited to be awarded this opportunity by USA Rugby to host the national rugby finals here in Madison,” said Max Zukowski, President of the Wisconsin Rugby Club, the city’s Division II men’s club team and a member club of Madison United Rugby. “Last year, our men’s team won the 2013 national championship in Glendale, Colorado. To know that this year’s championships will be held right here in Madison is an honor for our team and for our entire community. We’re ready to host an outstanding event for all of the teams and fans.”

This year’s National Championships will also mark the first time that both men’s and women’s club team titles have been played for at the same USA Rugby event. For Madison’s Division II women’s rugby team, that makes hosting the event a historic honor.

“This is a great opportunity for us to showcase championship women’s rugby in Madison,” added Bob Jafferis, head coach of the Wisconsin Women’s Rugby team. “People coming out to watch will see some fantastic women athletes competing in a tough and physical sport. Rugby has been a bit of a secret in Madison for nearly half a century. I’m looking forward to showing people what the sport is all about.”

In addition to both Wisconsin clubs, Madison United Rugby also includes men’s and women’s club rugby teams at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, four high school boys teams (LaFollette, Oregon, Middleton, and West Side), and the Madison Minotaurs. The Minotaurs are an all-inclusive men’s team that partners with the Wisconsin Rugby Club in fall Division IV competitive league games

and plays spring games in the International Gay Rugby Association and Board (IGRAB) league.

“The Madison Minotaurs are thrilled that USA Rugby had chosen Madison to host the National Club Rugby Championships,” said Tim Lom, President of the Madison Minotaurs. “As some of the newest members of Madison’s diverse rugby scene, the Minotaurs are proud to help represent IGRAB within the greater rugby community during what will surely be a tremendously exciting event.”

In addition to hosting the events, both of Wisconsin’s men’s and women’s Division II teams are both currently in position to potentially qualify towards the championships if they continue to play well. Both teams turned in undefeated fall seasons in their respective Midwest Rugby Union leagues. Spring will see the clubs work towards playoffs and a shot at playing on home grass at the end of the season.

For more local club information and interviews regarding Madison hosting the 2014 USA Rugby Emirates Airlines Senior Club National Championships, please contact Jessica Burda at 608-712-1481 or email rugbyfinals@gmail.com.

For more information on USA Rugby and the 2014 USA Rugby National Championship Series, please contact USA Rugby Events Communications Manager Laura Gill at 612-850-5619 or email at lgill@usarugby.org. USA Rugby has also set up a Facebook event for the National Championships. Media interested in applying for credentials can apply online via USA Rugby’s website.

FAST FACTS ABOUT RUGBY & MADISON UNITED RUGBY:

• Madison United Rugby’s three adult teams currently practice on Sunday nights. Interested media may attend practice for interviews and photos/video. Practice frequency will pick up in March and April.

• Rugby will return to the Olympics in 2016 after a 92-year hiatus. Rugby sevens (7-a-side) will be played in Brazil for the Summer Olympics. The United States is the most successful nation in Olympic rugby tournaments, having won the gold medal in both 1920 and 1924. Madison’s local teams play rugby sevens in the summer, but compete in 15-a-side competitive league play in the fall and spring.

• The Wisconsin Rugby Club (men’s senior Division II) has won the USA Rugby national championship twice – 1998 and 2013. Wisconsin’s latest national title marked the third trip in the past five years to the national championships finishing third in 2008, second in 2012, and winning it all in 2013.

• The nine teams of Madison United Rugby count many Wisconsin, Midwest and USA All-Star players in both their current and alumni rosters. The most recent Madison United Rugby player to don the red, white and blue for the national team is Grace Hovde, a 2013 USA Collegiate All-American.

• Both the Wisconsin Rugby Club men’s team and the Wisconsin Women’s Rugby team are currently undefeated in Midwest Rugby Union league play. The men compiled an 8-0-1 overall record and are first in the Midwest Division II West Group 1 standings. The Wisconsin Women finished their fall season at a perfect 6-0-0 and will finish their Division II west league play in April to qualify for playoffs.

• All Madison United Rugby teams welcome new players at any experience level. The teams will teach new players how to play safely and competitively. For more information, visit www.rugbymadison.org.

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November 2, 2013January 17, 2014

Wisconsin Slides By Scylla, 19-17, to Remain Undefeated

ruck — It’s always a physical battle when the Wisconsin Women play in-state rivals Milwaukee Scylla.

Phew! That was a close one!

The Wisconsin Women worked on their mental toughness skills Saturday to rally for a tight 19-17 win at home against in-state rivals, the Milwaukee Scylla.

A cold, windy day combined with a out-of-place roster due to some injuries and missing players presented Wisconsin with a tough spot to defend at home against the Scylla. These two teams always play a physical match and Saturday’s game was no different.

Wisconsin took 17 minutes of playing time to earn its first try by wing Emi Frerichs (unconverted) to put the first points on the scoreboard. Teammate and outside center Kelly Mullen added her own try just five minutes later, with a conversion by prop Elisa Becker, to give Wisconsin a 12-0 lead at 22 minutes.

However, Milwaukee’s power No. 8 Abigail Williams ended shutout hopes with a visitor’s try and conversion at 37 minutes to make it a 12-7 game at the half.

Both teams used the half to freshen up legs and the battle continued for another 18 minutes without a score. However, Scylla flyhalf Mara Wellner found the try zone to tie the game at 12-12 heading into the final quarter of the match. The Scylla pounced again just nine minutes later for a try by inside center Lori Haymon to take the 17-12 lead against the frustrated Wisconsin Women.

Facing a possible first loss of the season and a challenge to spring home-field advantage in the playoffs, Wisconsin dug deep and rallied back quickly. As she is known to do, fullback Lily Khadempour threaded through the tiring Scylla defense to find the try zone at the 70 minute mark and Mullen notched the conversion to give the home team back its lead, 19-17.

With 10 minutes left on the clock, the game came down to which team’s legs had the endurance to hold or break. Wisconsin held on to its lead through the whistle, earning an undefeated fall season at 6-0 in league play with the narrow victory.

Wisconsin now takes a break for the winter before returning to league play with road games at the Palmer Women and Twin Cities Amazons in April 2014.

*********

Wisconsin Women – 19
Milwaukee Scylla – 17

USA Rugby Statistics

Wisconsin Women Tries – Emi Frerichs, Lily Khadempour, Kelly Mullen
Wisconsin Women Conversions – Elisa Becker, Kelly Mullen

Milwaukee Scylla Tries – Lori Haymon, Mara Wellner, Abigail Williams
Milwaukee Scylla Conversions – Abigail Williams

Wisconsin Lineup:
1. Elisa Becker
2. Emily “Mouth” Mastandrea
3. Nadia Riese
4. Melissa Polheber
5. Liz Robinson
6. Amanda “Stoli” Stoltz
7. Kris Peterson
8. Sammy Clevenger
9. Mary Hanks
10. Meaghan White
11. Emi Frerichs
12. Nicole Helmer
13. Kelly Mullen
14. Jennifer Messer
15. Lily Khadempour

Reserves: Meg Blodgett, Kim Distin, Jill Lehmann, Michelle “Mike” Blaser, Greta Slack, Katie “KO” Odens, Marissa “Fizz” Kraynak, Sybil Levine