Rugby Teams Prepare to Defend Tiles

By John Graham
Community SubmissionLast fall, the Longwood Women's Rugby team completed its first undefeated season in recent history, finishing 8-0, including wins over Virginia Tech and Mary Washington University (MWU). In the Virginia Rugby Union playoffs, the women repeated the victory over MWU and climbed to 12th place in the national rankings. The team could not keep the momentum going in the spring and lost a playoff game to eventual national finalist, LaSalle University 31-20.

The women seek to return to form this fall, led by returning Captain Ashley Hartley. Also returning is leading scorer Kaelynn Nill. Anchoring the forwards are locks Samantha Railton and Ashley Irby and front row players Lekiah Wicher and Taryn Langmead. The backs will be led by Maggie Hodges and Nicole Widder-Varhegyi and newcomer Emily Laura.

The fall schedule for the women includes home games with VMI, William & Mary, United States Naval Academy and Mary Washington University and road games against VCU and University of Richmond. All home games (men and women) are played on the First Avenue Athletic Field.