By Annalisa Berardinelli
The UNH Women’s Rugby Club is new to the University of New Haven. The growing team of 25 hit the ground running Sunday, Sept 14 in their first match against Southern Connecticut State University.
Though the team suffered a loss, each player played extremely well. During the first half, Cecelia Cacciatore, one of the two captains, ran the ball quickly up the field for multiple gains. Maria Albini, the other captain, used her prior knowledge of the game to lead the team and help everyone to get where they needed to be in order to succeed.
On the defensive side, Stephanie Werner executed explosive tackles, shocking herself, the crowd and the other team.
The Southern team, a team also full of new players, scored three quick tries, breaking through the UNH defense. Quickly, UNH rebounded and filled in the gaps. Sarah Alley showed her true colors in the second half, tackling and fighting for the ball with every ounce of energy left in her body. Her aggression earned her the title Man of the Match.
The final score of the game was 33 Southern, UNH 0. The team hopes to learn more and improve as the season goes on.
The next match is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, Sept 21 at Connecticut College.
