Photo courtesy Quinnipiac Athletics •
Quinnipiac University was a leading contender for College Team of Fall 2016, given the obstacles the Hamden, Conn., program overcame en route to its second consecutive National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) title. The Bobcats played all 12 games on the road, competing in eight different states during the two-and-a-half month season. Highlights included a non-league win over DI Elite champion Penn State, and the retributive victory over Central Washington for the NIRA trophy.
The Bobcats did it all with 22 rostered players, which speaks to the concentration of talent and interdependence within the ranks. But Ilona Maher, our College Player of Fall 2016, did stand out. She drew attention during July, when the Women’s Collegiate All-Americans (WCAAs) played Canada’s developmental side, the Maple Leafs, alongside the international Super Series. Maher, who began her collegiate career as a prop, anchored the scrum from No. 8. The 5’10” rising junior was a perpetual source for gainline breaks, broken tackles and morale boosts. The WCAAs lost the series in 15-10 and 45-13 decisions, but Maher’s performance resonated well after the final whistle.
As Maher’s second fall season with Quinnipiac approached, the Vermont native put in the off-field work that would eventually see her hit all of her strength goals, including eclipsing her previous squat record of 300 lbs. The leader-by-example was ready for a captaincy role, and she continued to inspire and set up her teammates from inside center.
“Last season she was adjusting to life as a back, and this season her field vision had improved dramatically,” Quinnipiac coach Becky Carlson reflected on Maher’s growth. “The lines she ran demonstrated a much better understanding of the attack, and she was responsible for many of the assists that led to key [tries].”
A marked target for opponents, Maher used that attention to her team’s advantage. She places second in the record books for total assists in a single season and in a single game. She’s skilled in contact (tied for second for career steals at the tackle) and is too powerful to keep off the scoreboard. She places in the top-three for career, single-season and single-game tries; and runs over 20 meters during a single season and single game.
When there are 22 players on the team, everyone has an important role, and everyone has to be a team player. Maher has that extra something that requires your attention. When the ball gets to the centers – watch. You won’t be disappointed.
FALL 2016 AWARDS … The rugby season doesn’t align with the calendar year, so with the exception of the national teams, awards are broken into spring and fall. Individual players, coaches, teams and games of the fall will be recognized in advance of the New Year.
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High School Player of Fall 2016: Cassidy Bargell
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