The Midwest women’s rugby leagues added a new feature this fall season with officially-scheduled, but friendly, divisional crossover matches between the top Division 1 and Division 2 clubs.
Wisconsin hosted D-1 national contender Chicago North Shore and earned the club’s first loss of the fall season. Falling 65-5, the match provided Wisconsin with an opportunity to play several developmental athletes and experiment with new combinations.
Wing Justine Wypych scored the team’s lone try at the 75-minute mark to avert the impending shutout. Chicago North Shore’s No. 8 Christine Pheil and fullback Lauren Trout led the visiting team in scoring.
The loss has no bearing on Wisconsin’s standings in the Midwest Division 2 league. However, it did provide the team with much-needed playing time for newer players and a renewed focus on the remainder of the D2 season.
Following the competitive match, both teams joined forces with the new Rockford (Illinois) women’s team to play a friendly b-side match.