Even in today's society, women still fight to prove equality. We are looked at differently because of our size, speed, intelligence, and even attitudes. Women have come a long way, but across the globe, battles are still being fought.
Unlike other sports, women who play rugby are held to the same rules and standards as the men, if not stricter standards. No modification is made to accomidate the differences. On the rugby pitch, we are equal. Women tackle, scrum, and run for the full 80 minutes same as the men.
This past weekend 4 collegiate women's rugby teams converged on Mobile, AL to play for spots in the national sweet sixteen. Lee University, Elon University, Kennesaw State University and UNC-Charlotte made the trip to ruck for what each thought was rightfully theirs. Each team had won their own league in the South Conference and both the Champion and Finalist would emerge with seeding spaces.
UNC-Charlotte Women made history in just making the journey. Just two years ago the team was barely emerging into rugby with 6 players. A year ago a full squad was winning it's first games. Making it to Nationals, being a part of the sweet sixteen was a pie in the sky goal the team came up with 6 months ago. It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to bring this team to where it is today.
Kickoff was 1:30pm on Saturday. It was hot, humid, and windy. Lineout's and kicks were tough to control, but UNCC played it's own game. Within 10 minutes the first try was scored by Christina White. 10 minutes later, Tabitha Shearin scored a try. Both times Natalie Ricketts made the kicks, and UNCC was up 14-0. The heat got to the team, and while fighting hard, KSU was able to score two tries leaving it 14-10 with 10 minutes to go. UNCC got their act together and Meghan Bradsher broke through their backline to score a perfectly placed try. Again, Natalie made the kick and the final score was 21-10. UNCC had earned their right to Nationals.
Meanwhile, Lee University blew Elon University out of the water. With a final score of 81-0, Lee left the field to watch the end of the UNCC-KSU game.
At 9am on Sunday, Lee and UNCC faced off to fight for seeding and the position of Champion verses finalist. It might not have been as hot, but the ground was still wet and it made for interesting play. Twice in the first 10 minutes, UNCC almost scored, but Lee wouldn't let it happen. It was 25 minutes into the game before anyone made it on the scoreboard. Lee brought it up to 5-0, and then shortly after 10-0. UNCC was winning the scrums, and many of the rucks, but couldn't get their hands to control the ball. It was well into the second half before they scored bringing it to 10-7. Holding their ground, Lee scored again to end the game at 17-7. The score doesn't come close to showing how good of a game it was. Both teams played their best game and put their heart and soul into it. Those who watched knew that in that moment, women were proving themselves to have just as good a game as the men.
Lee University earned the Champion title and #8 seeding in the brackets at Nationals. They will be heading to San Diego CA for playoffs, and we wish them the best of luck.
UNC-Charlotte earned the Finalist title, #14 seeding and will be playing in Kissimmee FL on April 16th in the National playoffs.
Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 10:31AM 
