Women’s rugby have their eye on the prize as they go into the fall season as a Division I team.

The women’s rugby team at Colorado Mesa University (CMU) had a historic performance last spring when they clinched a national title at the 7s national tournament. As the seasons change, so does the style of play. In the fall semester, these athletes transition to 15s rugby, a different playing style that demands a distinct set of skills and strategies.

In the 7s variant, each side fields only seven players, with seven-minute halves, and teams typically play four to six matches in a single day. This format emphasizes sprints, open-field tackles and individual brilliance while working cohesively as a team.

15s rugby, on the other hand, involves 15 players on each side, with 40-minute halves. It is a game of strategy and teamwork, where every player contributes to the overall success of the team. The contrast in playing styles means that athletes need to adapt their skills and strategies accordingly.

“Each season requires different strengths and skills; it’s like trying to get sprinters in shape to run a marathon. [It is a] very different coaching style, very different game and then very different strengths sought out for these two different seasons,” head coach Mackenzie Lewis said.

In rugby, a “try” is equivalent to a touchdown and is the primary means of scoring. Fifth-year center Elizabeth Thoma and Lewis both agreed that the team is naturally good at offense, so they tend to focus on defense more in practice.

“Our team has a lot of raw talent and skill, and they flow well together, tries will happen. We do focus a lot on the mechanics of defense, communication and sliding as a unit. I want them to be feral on defense. Actively working to get the ball back, poaching and being scrappy at the breakdowns. I’m of the mentality that defense wins championships,” Lewis said.

After their national triumph in 7s rugby, the team is filled with newfound determination and confidence. Their journey to becoming a Division I team is a testament to their dedication and skill development.

“My goal would be to continue to build a winning culture on the team. We are a tight-knit group that loves to win and I want that kind of energy to continue through this year and be passed down in the future,” Thoma said.

Recently, they faced off against Colorado University (CU), winning with a score of 41-27, despite multiple injuries and a strong second-half showing by CU. The Mavericks showcased their resilience with aggressive tackles and remarkable plays.

Then CMU demolished Utah State University 65-7 on Sept. 17 to jump out to a 2-0 season record.

Lewis encourages students and the community to support the team by attending home games and contributing to fundraisers. Every bit of support helps these athletes pursue their passion for rugby and represent CMU on the field.

“I have been playing rugby since my freshman year and it is crazy to see how much support we get. When we play at home the hill is filled with fans. Whenever we play an away game on the front range, we get a great fan section with our friends and families coming to watch us play. Even if we play in a different state we still have fans cheering us on. It is crazy to me to see how much people care about us and the sport,” senior scrumhalf Ryleigh Blatnik said.

Blatnik is coming off an incredible 7s season, leading the team with 15 tries and 34 conversions.

The women’s rugby team has a busy schedule ahead, with a game at Air Force Academy on Sept. 24 and their last home game on Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. As they continue to evolve and adapt to the challenges of different rugby formats, their commitment to excellence remains unwavering.

The CMU women’s rugby team is not only making waves in the world of collegiate rugby but also showcasing the power of determination and adaptability. Whether in 7s or 15s, these athletes are a force to be reckoned with and their journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship.

“I want to express my love and appreciation to my teammates and coach. So few of our players knew anything about rugby when they joined, so to see them come in and dominate such a physical and intense sport is nothing short of amazing. As for our coach, we are incredibly lucky to be learning from such an esteemed member of the rugby community,” Thoma said.