AIC difference-maker Bridget Kahele /// Photos courtesy AIC Athletics
As the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) readies for its third season, the rugby community is eager to see how the varsity-only league will shake out schedule wise. American International College (AIC) is eager to build off of last year’s 4-6 fall season and will test itself with a challenging lineup.
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“The last year at AIC was a mixed bag with many highs and lows, but the biggest change in the program was the change of culture and getting the team back to playing for each other,” AIC head coach Peter Lang recapped.
Lang took over for Dimitri Efthimiou in fall 2016 and had a short run-up to the 2016 NIRA 15s season. The fall started on September 3 with a two-point loss to Dartmouth.
“We struggled at the start, with a new system that we were using that allowed us to keep going for the full 80 minutes, but be especially strong in the last 20 minutes of games,” Lang explained. “The new system, along with different fitness and S&C programs, also meant that, despite a small roster size, we were able to be very competitive throughout the 15s season despite having only one – and sometimes no – subs.”
Quinnipiac, Army and Central Washington got the better of the Yellow Jackets, but then AIC settled into its system and started pulling out wins in the final quarter. On the final game of the regular season, AIC dropped a two-point game to eventual NIRA champion Quinnipiac.
“Taking Quinnipiac to within a few points during their senior game was an emotional game,” Lang remembered. “As always, we were very strong in the last 20 minutes and just ran out of time.”
The first round of the post-season was an opportunity for redemption: a rematch of AIC’s loss against Dartmouth.
“Losing to Dartmouth in the season-opener was very disappointing. We were just not well enough prepared to start the season and that is my fault as the coach,” Lang prefaced the rematch. “It was nice to have a chance to set that record straight when we met them in the playoff quarterfinals. Big Green is a great team and a tough opponent, so to win through was nice.”
That 33-29 win was a high point in the season, but the subsequent game against Central Washington was less auspicious.
“Our performance in the semifinal was probably the lowest point of the season,” Lang recalled the 62-19 loss to Central Washington. “I was more upset about the way we played than the result itself – we did not showcase what AIC Women’s rugby is about.”
AIC finished the fall season 4-6, and then played in seven 7s tournaments during the spring. The players who have returned want to build on that mixed-bag season, and no one will be more pivotal to that success than seniors Kayla Clark and Bridget Kahlele. The two are tone-setters, and both will serve as co-captains.
“The fact that these two are the only two seniors I have means that more and more good things are going to happen with this team,” Lang looked ahead. “The loose forwards we have are going to be top draw, and the engine room will be solid. Our backs recruits – some of whom will be starting right away – will surprise a few people too.”
Watch for sophomore Allyson Pothier, who suffered an injury in her debut season but used the opportunity to learn about her teammates and team’s style of play. Lang called her a natural leader, making the Colorado native an easy choice for co-captain.
The recruiting process is still underway, but Lang did mention that more players from outside of the U.S. will be included in this year’s incoming class. One name has been confirmed and will certainly make an impression on the league: Girls’ High School All-American Nia Toliver. The California native is an explosive wing and will certainly buoy AIC’s attack.
Lang has built an ambitious schedule, which includes NIRA’s Quinnipiac, Army, Notre Dame College, West Chester and Sacred Heart, as well as DI Elite champion Penn State and finalist Lindenwood. Lang attempted to get Life University on the schedule, too, but the logistics and cost prevented the trip – this year.
“The team is very excited about the schedule,” the coach confirmed. “We know we are playing some of the toughest teams in the country, and we know that we will learn a lot from those experiences. It will also give AIC Women’s Rugby a greater exposure to the rugby community so that they can see some of the great things that are happening here.”
For more information on NIRA, visit www.ncaacollegerugby.org.