Austin’s undefeated DII side / Photo courtesy Austin Valkyries Women’s Rugby
The Red River has seen its women’s club numbers steadily grow and now hosts DI, DII and DIII leagues. The DI and DII representatives to nationals will now be named via two separate competitions – instead of the champion heading to DI and runner-up to DII – and undefeated Austin has the potential to take both spots.
“It’s exciting that we do now have a DII competitive pathway that is in and of itself. More teams get through to that stage of the playoffs, and that’s a great experience,” Austin president Weldon Watts said. “The integration of a DIII level is working well in the Texas region as well. There are a lot of developmental clubs and it’s great to have the space for that. The number of teams we have – from Oklahoma to Arkansas to Texas – it’s incredible to compare it to five years ago when I started [with the Valkyries].”
The competitive season shifted entirely to the spring, and Austin used the fall to adjust to a slightly different player group this year, one that is missing some key veterans but also gained players from injury and newcomers. Brittany McGhee and Jordan Ynostrosa are the captains and charged with directing the teams on the pitch.
“Everybody’s together. [Head coach Luis Sanchez] and his assistant coaches have a consistent approach to get everyone playing as a cohesive team. Players are capable of playing anywhere and with anyone,” Watts said. “The separation [into DI and DII squads] doesn’t happen super early in the spring season, and I know that Luis is very good about tracking eligibility and making sure the right people are playing in the right games. Those distinctions are created as we go.”
Austin celebrated a big double-win weekend, as the DI side got its first league win in a 29-17 contest against Houston Athletic. Sierra Jenkins (2), Julia Fortkort, Caitlin Reedy and Billiona Reyes scored tries, while Ynostrosa kicked two conversions. Meanwhile, the DII side beat San Antonio 20-12, as Kris Ritchie (2) and Kayla Harris scored and a penalty try afforded the bonus point. Division II is split into North and South pools, and the six teams play a mixture of in-pool and crossover games before playoffs.
The DI Valkyries and HARC are fortunate to also have Gold Cup fixtures added through spring 2019, at least. The duo will head out to the Mid-Atlantic’s NOVA and Raleigh at the end of March, and then host the Atlantic North and Midwest legs.
“The Gold Cup was definitely a welcome addition,” Watts said. “That’s what we’re moving toward – developing elite players – and this improves the level of competition in our region. It helps prepare whichever team goes to the Round of 8.”
Watts asserted that the teams aren’t looking past the regular-season competition but that the leadership ensures that everyone knows that nationals is the goal. Austin is hoping that the western portion of the national quarterfinals is in the region, especially with the potential for two Valkyries sides competing for titles. It’s not the first time a club has sent two teams to nationals, but it’s certainly rare.
The DI and DII league games resumes this weekend:
DI
Austin vs. Dallas Harlequins
DII
San Antonio vs. Dallas Athletic
Austin vs. Tulsa
Little Rock vs. Dallas Reds