The best kind of rugby makes the hurt feel good.
In an early season friendly, the Wisconsin Women dropped a highly physical match, 30-5, to the Chicago North Shore Women Saturday.
The match provided both teams with an opportunity to prepare for league play in their representative Midwest Divisions. Wisconsin (D2) challenged North Shore (D1) throughout the match, but failed to complete a number of scoring opportunities against the 2011 Division I National Champions. The game also saw a number of rookies for both teams gain competitive playing experience.
Overall, Wisconsin’s leadership was pleased with the match and the team’s output in physical plan and mental toughness.
Flanker Amanda “Stoli” Stoltz was named the Player of the Match against North Shore for her endless energy in the loose play. Scrumhalf Mary Hanks scored the team’s lone try.
Wisconsin also hosted three college sides in a brief morning skills camp – University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Platteville and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. The college sides played in a friendly round-robin with developmental players from the Wisconsin Women following the match against Chicago North Shore.
Center Marissa “Fizz” Kraynak was named the Player of the Match in the round-robin after catching every pass that came her way.