Photo courtesy Western Washington Women’s Rugby
The Cascade conference realigned this season, catering toward its developing small-school programs. But Western Washington, a legitimate DII team, saw this shift as a step backward for the Vikings, especially considering the lessons it learned during the spring 2017 post-season.
Western Washington weathered forfeits and lopsided victories during the 2017 league season, and struggled to identify its weaknesses during these easier matches. The team attempted to gain some insight with non-league games against DI teams like Washington.
“When we made it to the [DII Spring Round of 16], we fell to Grand Canyon University in a hard battle,” Western Washington President Emily Elam recalled the 29-5 loss. “That was the first time we played a team that challenged us. If we would’ve had more pressure from teams in our league, we could’ve been more prepared.”
Western Washington ended the spring playoffs with a 48-7 win over Eastern Washington, which is now the lone DII team in Cascade, but knew it had to make changes in the future.
“We knew, collectively as a team, that we had to fight for the move up into the [Pacific Mountain Rugby Conference] DI league so we could grow as a program,” Elam explained. “Moving up into the DI league will be challenging, but we are hungry and determined to work hard and prove ourselves as newcomers into the big leagues.”
Western Washington and Boise State were voted in the Pacific Mountain’s North division for the spring 2018 season, joining Washington State, Oregon State, Oregon and Washington. The Vikings have nearly 40 players on the roster and are directed by sage scrumhalf Kayla Adderley and hooker Carinna Snider, the backs and forwards captains, respectively.
“We have a lot of new, fresh players. There is a lot of talent on the team,” Elam continued. “No. 8/lock Taylor Cannal, No. 8 Jaclyn Stapleton and fullback Alex Mann are definitely our up-and-comers. These three will be the ones to watch this season.”
One of Western Washington’s greatest assets was on display Saturday, as the team opened its DI Pacific Mountain North season with a 55-10 win over fellow newcomer Boise State. Outside back Megan Stark scored four tries in the outing, matching her average per game.
“Megan Stark was our star player,” Elam asserted. “Alex Mann as fullback did not miss one tackle, if Boise State broke the line.”
The second row praised the entire team’s pressure defense, pointing to the two tries against as reward.
“Our forwards absolutely dominated in the scrum and on the lineouts, winning possession of the ball almost every time,” Elam elaborated on Saturday’s difference-makers. “I would say that our communication on the field was huge in our flow of the game and working together as a team.”
Next up is Washington, which dropped its opener 52-17 to Oregon. Washington State has been the league leader for some years, and the Cougars opened with a 26-17 win over Oregon State last weekend.
“The first win of the season feels great, and we are off to a great start, but we are only at the beginning,” Elam concluded. “The girls are hungry for more wins, and it shows in our practices and in the gym. Much of our success is in thanks to our amazing coaches Michael Mauger and Chris Rowell with their great knowledge of the game and their ability to push us.”