Conversion Separates Gophers & Black Katts

The DI Midwest held its first conference matches of the National Collegiate Rugby season last Saturday. Northern Iowa beat Iowa State 63-10; Wisconsin had the bye; and Minnesota and Winona State played to a thrilling two-point decision. All five teams will play each other once during the regular season, and then standings will name the conference champion and afford the automatic berth to the post-season.

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The conference held a pre-season tournament at Winona State – not the All-Minnesota tournament – and that outing helped squads bank some quality field time.

“Most of us were able to play 15s,” Minnesota head coach Mikayla Miller said. “Wisconsin was a little short but we played 10s, 12s, the closest version we could to 15s. Even with short numbers, it was awesome quality and really great to get the colleges together.”

Minnesota and Winona State were each other’s first opponent at the pre-season tournament, but it was only a 20-minute game, as teams wanted to build up to full games. Still, the runout provided some intel.

“We went into the tournament with no real expectations,” Miller considered the opposition. “We were away from 15s for so long, the only assumption we made was everyone is going to be new and fresh.”

Despite everyone’s reboot, Winona looked similar to squads that Miller and Minnesota have faced in the past.

“They have competitive athletes and play a similar style to what we’ve seen before, and that helped us prepare last week for Saturday,” Miller said. “We talked about the basic parts of their pattern and tried to figure out who their playmakers are – which is tough to do in 20 minutes. But they have talented forwards, especially in their tight five, and the back line was solid – all good distributors who understood lines and could change pace quickly.”

Minnesota knew that it had a battle waiting for it on Saturday, but Miller indicated that the team was ready for it.

“They had a lot of confidence going into the game,” Miller said. “The vibe on the team is great. The energy is awesome. Me and my staff, we haven’t done anything special. It’s the athletes who are taking responsibility for their own team. We tell them all the time: You’re in charge of your effort, attitude and reaction.”

Miller has reassembled the excellent coaching staff of Maria Bowker, Ashley Kastendick and Roger Bruggemeyer. They work with a team that has some experience in the pack, but the versatility of the players means that game knowledge is moved through different positions depending on the day. Miller highlighted Sydney Wessel and Sam Dreher as the pack leaders. Wessel is a great utility forward and played No. 8 on Saturday. Dreher moved from hooker to flanker and was all over the pitch against Winona State.

“There were only a handful of contact points that she wasn’t involved in,” Miller lauded the breakaway. “I’m excited to see how she grows.”

Anneliese Watry moved from the second row to flyhalf and brings an excellent skill set to the decision-making position.

“She has a fantastic pass and really high rugby IQ,” Miller said. “It was an easy decision for us to try her there.”

Center Emily Johnston is a really strong ballcarrier and provides a ton of momentum in getting the team past the gain line. When Josie Rogers and Grace Bryson return to the roster next match, they’ll bring some nice continuity and security on defense.

“It was a true back-and-forth game,” Miller said of the Winona State game. “The level of play and intensity and pace were really high. The physicality was maybe more than what we were expecting. We were a little unprepared for that but it was a quick adjustment for us.”

The teams traded tries throughout the match, and there were no lulls in effort or comfortable margins.

“At no point was either team running away with it,” Miller said. “You never saw a break in any part of their game, even the mental side. Everyone was super determined to get on the field and get off the field with a victory. The energy and attitudes were great.”

Both teams scored three tries apiece, but Minnesota slotted one extra conversion for the 19-17 win. Winona State will get the bonus point in the loss.

“The win doesn’t change our mentality as a team or staff,” Miller said of the tough victory. “We encourage the players to have as much fun as they can and to do it together. … UNI looked awesome at the pre-season tournament, and we expect them to be our toughest competition – not to say any other team will be less challenging.”

Northern Iowa beat Iowa State 63-10 to open the DI Midwest season, and the Panthers will host the Black Katts on Oct. 2. Minnesota has the bye next weekend, while Iowa State and Wisconsin play each other in week two.