St. Bonaventure University has recently clinched the small-college Fall 15s Collegiate Rugby Championship following a hard-fought 22-17 victory over Wisconsin-Platteville at SaberCats Stadium in Houston. Despite the challenge of enduring back-to-back matches within a 24-hour period, the Bonnies emerged triumphant, securing the national title.
With an unblemished season record of 12-0, the Bonnies entered the championship game as the No. 2 ranked team in the NCR small-college poll. Their path to the title included a tough win over top-ranked Endicott in the national semifinal, where All-American Makenna Ramsey’s stellar performance, marked by three crucial tries in the final, played a pivotal role in the team’s success.
Coach Meredith Pyke, who assumed the role in March 2022 with a mere nine players at her disposal, expressed her astonishment and pride in the team’s extraordinary accomplishment. Under her leadership, the Bonnies overcame significant challenges and a lack of resources to become national champions after just one recruiting cycle. Pyke lauded the team’s exceptional dedication, determination, and rugby acumen that propelled them to their historic triumph.
The tide of the championship game turned in the Bonnies’ favour when Jaylei Wagstaff executed a vital tackle and freshman Katie Paterson secured possession of the ball, leading to a series of strategic plays by the team. The players’ initiative and rugby intelligence were evident in their decisive actions on the field, effectively sealing the game under mounting pressure from UW-Platteville.
Amidst the intense physicality of the match, graduate students Ramsey and Kaylee Vincent contributed significantly to the Bonnies’ offensive prowess. Ramsey’s sensational try early in the second half, combined with her subsequent score and Nentarz’s conversion kick, strengthened the team’s lead and set the stage for their eventual victory over UW-Platteville.
Senior Abbey Beres and freshman Natalie Lamar showcased commendable resilience and tactical awareness in leading the Bonnies’ defensive efforts, even in the absence of senior co-captain Kaylee Middaugh due to injury. Their collective performance showcased the depth of talent and unwavering belief within the team.
The university’s success in rugby highlights St. Bonaventure’s dedication to excellence and the development of student-athletes. This inspiring victory on the national stage reflects the institution’s commitment to nurturing leadership and teamwork both on and off the field.
St. Bonaventure University, renowned as the nation’s first Franciscan university, has earned recognition for its comprehensive approach to education. Its focus on service and citizenship has positioned it among the top regional universities in the North, underscoring the university’s exceptional value and innovation, as acknowledged by U.S. News and World Report in 2024.
In conclusion, the Bonnies’ remarkable journey to claiming the small-college rugby national title serves as a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and unwavering spirit. As they celebrate this historic achievement, their triumph will be remembered as a defining moment in the university’s rich athletic legacy.
Source:
St. Bonaventure University
US News and World Report