The CMU women’s rugby team has opened their season with two decisive wins.

After defeating Southern Utah University last week (113-0), the players faced New Mexico State on Saturday, finishing with a formidable 44-7.

With the crowd cheering for every play, Maverick teammates shouted encouragement and instructions, hyping each other up. They ran each play with determination and enthusiasm, with the smiles never slipping from their faces.

Division I All-American sophomore wing Chloe Coop scored two of her team’s six goals, and was fleet-footed on the field, running passes with a speed that put New Mexico State’s defense into some tight spots.

Freshman wing Kate Irsfeld supported her team’s win. One of the 12 freshmen on the team, Irsfeld scored one of the six goals this week, and demonstrated some running plays that helped give Mesa the advantage.

“The rugby team is more than a sport,” Irsfeld said. “Like, one time, I got a flat tire, and my teammate drove me home. Everyone’s always looking out for each other and checking up on each other.”

The team is tight-knit, working together to improve both their chemistry and their individual performance. Every time a goal was scored, the players on the sidelines cheered and screamed, calling out to their teammates by name and celebrating together.

Last year, CMU’s women’s rugby team finished seventh in the nation, a legacy that many are hoping to uphold and improve upon in this coming year. As the season progresses, Irsfeld says she has a lot of high hopes.

“There’s a lot of things we can [continue] to progress through, and we’re a pretty well-rounded team. We have some good players, and I think it will be a great season.”

The team will take on Colorado School of Mines on Sept. 28, looking to extend their win streak to three.