By Julia Berkman
The women’s rugby team at Western is virtually indomitable. Not only did they win the league title, but they won it undefeated. With eleven wins and zero losses, Western women’s rugby reinforce the idea that women’s teams absolutely dominate the Division II scene at Western. That’s why they’re considered the “Best in the Northwest.”
“Is it a life or death game? No, it’s far more important than that!”
-Bill Shankly
Just in case you thought they couldn’t be more of a powerhouse, these Vikings just beat the Eastern Washington Banshees 65-0 in a recent tournament game in Cheney, Washington. While the Banshees tried their best, they just couldn’t break through Western’s tight defensive lines to score even one goal.
Unfortunately for the Banshees, yet so fortunately for fans, the women’s rugby team had already established their reign as the unbeatable after last month’s “Battle of the Westerns,” in Monmouth, Oregon.
“Led by their fly half, Rachel Thorne, scoring was well distributed, with all the backs making it into the try zone at least once. Thorne’s impressive scoring was followed by rookie wing, JoAnna O’Neill, who put up 15 points.”
In the end, the Vikings beat Western Oregon University with an 85-10 lead! Impressive job.
Of course, this team wouldn’t be half as great without its fans as well as its coaches. Both head coach Michael Mauger and assistant coach Nick Barthel are new. Mauger made his arrival in fall 2016 and Barthel is fresh for the winter of 2017. Unfortunately for the Viks, but in good fortune to the Atlanta Rhinos, Barthel is moving on to coach this semi-professional team in April. Western and Bellingham wish him the best of luck!
So, I know what you’re thinking: When can I get a chance to see these warriors in action? Lucky for you, Western Women’s Rugby is playing a home scrimmage match against the University of Washington’s Division I team on April 1. Besides that, the team is training hard for the Division II Sweet 16 tournament. You can cheer them on in person on April 8, or follow them online on their Facebook (WWU Women’s Rugby) and Instagram at @wwuwomensrugby. Go Viks!